June 09, 2020 (New Delhi) – Based on a current doubling rate, the national capital will likely to witness nearly 5.5 lakh cases by July 31, says its Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday, forecasting a massive demand for hospital beds a day after his government’s decision to reserve beds for residents was ruled out by the Lieutenant Governor.

‘’By the Delhi government’s estimates, by June 15 there will be 44,000 cases, one lakh cases by 30 June and 2.25 lakh cases by July 15. 5.5 lakh COVID-19 cases are expected in Delhi by July 31. We will need 80,000 beds by then,’’ Mr. Sisodia said while talking to reporters outside his residence on Tuesday.

Deputy CM also urged Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to reconsider AAP’s government move to reserve beds for Delhi residents, which was reversed a day before.

Mr. Sisodia added that Mr. Baijal refused his decision as it was not taken up in the meeting.

‘’ We brought up this scenario during today’s meeting but nothing was discussed.50 percent of all beds in Delhi were generally occupied by those who came for treatment from outside. Now we see that there might be a situation that 80,000 beds would be needed by the end of July – that too only for residents of Delhi, not outsiders, ‘’ the Deputy CM revealed.