Not all pregnant women in hospital need to get Covid test, govt tells HC

NEW DELHI: Not all pregnant women need to undergo Covid-19 tests when they go to a hospital for obstetrical care (child birth), the AAP government told the Delhi high court on Wednesday.

The submission was made before a bench of chief justice DN Patel and justice Prateek Jalan by the Delhi government on an affidavit that stated that only suspected cases of Covid-19 be tested for the viral infection.

However, obstetrical care cannot be delayed for want of testing, the Delhi government said, adding that not all symptomatic pregnant women will be tested.

Only those coming from hot spots or those who have had contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 are tested for the viral infection, the government has said.

Taking note of the affidavit, the court said it was not going to further monitor the case as a clear set of guidelines have been put in place by the government.

It also asked the Delhi government to ensure that the time taken from when a health care provider decides to test a a pregnant woman for Covid-19.