New Delhi, May 20 (IANS): For two days in a row, the capital has recorded over 500 Covid-19 cases, taking up the tally to 11,088 cases on Wednesday, and it seems the number of cases will continue to spike and may reach up to 1,000 cases a day, say experts.

As many as 534 coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, marking the biggest one-day jump so far. On Tuesday, Delhi had reported 500 cases, which was also the sharpest rise - till then - in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases. Although, the number of containment zones has come down from 97 a few weeks ago to 66, but Covid-19 cases continue to spiral in Delhi.

Dr. S K Sarin, Chairman of Delhi government's committee tackling Covid-19, said they recorded 500 cases a day, but the rate of doubling is decreasing, and it seems the numbers may go up to 1,000 a day.

He insisted Delhi is reasonably well-prepared to handle such a spike in cases, and more cases are adding up to the tally because more people are being tested for the viral infection. "The number of infections is not the real cause of worry. We need to keep the mortality rate and people becoming sick down. Therefore, people should move out only if it's required, that too wearing face masks at all times," he said.

The number of active case in the city is 5,720 with 5,192 cases have recovered so far and 176 people having succumbed to the viral infection. As many as 7,442 tests per million have been conducted.

Dr. Manoj K Goel, Director & Head of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, said: "We are now in the phase where the number of new cases is going to spike much faster than it was before. When the lockdown was imposed, social distancing norms could be followed as people were not leaving their houses. However, now as the lockdown is opening up, there is an increase in the people mingling in the community."

Goel insisted that it is difficult to maintain social distancing norms and infection control strategies which include -- cough hygiene, hand hygiene and also wearing masks. "Although people are wearing masks but they are not wearing it properly which keeps them exposed to the infection. Also people from other parts of the country are travelling to Delhi, which increases the risk of spread of infection," he added.