Delhi recorded seven deaths due to Covid-19 for the second day in a row on Thursday and registered 865 fresh coronavirus cases for the day.

The total number of active cases in the national capital stood at 4,279. Most of the patients were being treated at home.

The positivity rate in the national capital has gone up to 16.90 per cent, according to data shared by state government’s health department.

The fresh cases emerged from 5,117 tests conducted the previous day.

On Wednesday too, the city had reported seven fatalities with 1,040 fresh COVID-19 cases being recorded. The city on Tuesday logged 1,095 fresh cases and six deaths while 689 infections and three fatalities were rereported on Monday.

The fresh surge is being attributed to the new XBB1.16 variant of Covid-19 which spreads fast but in most cases hospitalisation is not required. However, the infection could prove fatal in the case of the elderly and those with co-morbidities.

Health experts have advised that people should wear masks and avoid crowded places to check spread of the disease. They have also advised the regular washing of hands and use of sanitizers as part of the Covid appropriate behaviour.

Only 296 of the 7,974 Covid beds in the national capital are occupied at present, the data showed.

o zero on January 16 for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. However, the city has witnessed a spurt in fresh cases over the past month.

On April 11, mock drills were conducted in Delhi hospitals to ascertain their preparedness to deal with any eventuality.

Medical experts have said the Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16 could be driving the surge in cases in the city. However, they have maintained that there is no need to panic and people should follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and get their booster shots.