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Delhi coronavirus fears mount as hospital beds run out

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Ashwani Jain succumbed to the coronavirus in an ambulance as his family pleaded with several hospitals to take him in, the latest victim of the pandemic sweeping through the Indian capital and exposing a deadly shortage of hospital beds.

“They don’t care whether we live or die,” said his 20-year-old daughter Kashish, whose uncle, Abhishek, sat with Ashwani in the back of the vehicle on its desperate journey across Delhi.

“It won’t matter to them but I have lost my father, he was the world to me,” she said, tears welling up as she showed a photo of him.

All of the hospitals the 45-year-old businessman’s family tried refused to admit Ashwani, even though an app set up by the city government indicated Covid-19 beds were free, Abhishek told AFP.

With surging infections highlighting the precarious state of the Indian healthcare system, the death of Jain and others like him have heightened anxiety in Delhi over the growing threat.

Kashish Jain (R) lost her father to the coronavirus as his family pleaded with several hospitals to take him in. PHOTO: AFP / Sajjad HUSSAIN

More than 1,200 have died from the virus in the Indian capital and more than 1,000 new cases are being reported each day.

Mortuaries are overflowing with bodies and cemeteries and crematorium staff say they cannot keep up with the backlog of victims. Some local Delhi councils say the real death toll is twice the number given by the regional government.

Indian media has been full of tragic stories of people dying after being turned away by hospitals.

One pregnant woman died as she was being shuttled between hospitals. A 78-year-old man petitioned the Delhi High Court for a ventilator bed but died before the matter could be taken up.

India has now recorded more than 300,000 coronavirus cases with nearly 9,000 fatalities.

High price for rare beds

Several families have used social media to recount their harrowing experiences after being refused hospital beds.

Jain’s family had joined a noisy, nationwide tribute to health workers, banging pots and pans from rooftops and balconies after a nationwide lockdown started in March. Now they feel abandoned.

“The government is doing nothing. They are just playing with our feelings,” Kashish said.

The city government has estimated that it could need 80,000 beds by the end of July. PHOTO: AFP/File / XAVIER GALIANA

Jain’s devastated relatives are now waiting to get tested themselves but the Delhi government allows that for only high-risk and symptomatic family members.

The city government has estimated that it could need 80,000 beds by the end of July, and warned hotels and wedding venues that they are likely to be turned into hospitals.

Currently government hospitals have 8,505 designated pandemic beds while private hospitals have 1,441.

But families say they are being forced to spend a small fortune for the few beds that are available.

Suman Gulati, whose father is a coronavirus patient, said she was asked for one million rupees ($13,200) by a private hospital for a bed.

“Once I paid the money getting a bed was not a problem. But arranging such a huge amount of money at such a critical time was,” she told AFP.

“What if I fall sick next, what will I do? Should I sell my property, my jewellery?”

A sting operation by the Mirror Now TV channel showed five Delhi hospitals asking coronavirus patients to pay up to $5,250 in order to be admitted.

Families say they are being forced to spend a small fortune for the few beds that are available. PHOTO: AFP / Sajjad HUSSAIN

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused private hospitals of lying about available beds and promised tough action if they were found extorting money.

On Sunday, Home Minister Amit Shah said 500 of some 20,000 train coaches reserved as coronavirus wards would be “immediately” allocated to the state by the national government, adding some 8,000 beds.

Experts are questioning the city’s handling of the pandemic however.

Virologist Shahid Jameel said Delhi, like other major cities, has not tested enough people. So far, it has covered just one percent of its population.

“At the moment Delhi government is doing everything to make people panic,” he told AFP.

“It should be testing aggressively. I don’t understand the logic of testing only people who are symptomatic. How will you find how much the infection has spread in the community if you don’t test them?”

Shah said after a meeting with the Delhi government Sunday that testing for the virus would be stepped up.

Reporting and photos: AFP

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SAii Lagoon Maldives brings Retro Tropicana vibes to festive season

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This festive season, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, welcomes guests to a nostalgic island escape with “Retro Tropicana” — a celebration of timeless style, sun-soaked moments, and heartfelt connection. From December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026, the resort transforms into a nostalgic tropical retreat, where every moment captures the beauty of connection and the warmth of the season.

The festivities begin with the Festive Tree Lighting Ceremony, an enchanting evening that marks the official start of the season. Guests gather on the beach as the first lights illuminate the resort, casting a warm, golden glow across the sand and reflecting in the gentle waves, setting a serene and celebratory tone for the weeks ahead.

Throughout the season, guests can indulge in themed dinners that celebrate global and local flavours, from Mediterranean-inspired evenings to authentic Maldivian feasts under the stars. Families will find a sense of play woven into each day, with creative activities, poolside fun, and a special visit from Santa for the little ones. Young guests can join the Treasure Quest and Masquerade, take part in the Gingerbread House Decorating Competition, and make new holiday memories filled with laughter and imagination.

As Christmas approaches, the island takes on a glow of its own. Guests are invited to gather for a Retro Eve: A Tropicana Christmas and enjoy a vibrant evening of festive flavours, tropical ambience, and live music under the stars. The celebrations continue on Christmas Day with a lavish Christmas Dinner Buffet, featuring an array of seasonal favourites and island-inspired delights in a relaxed beachfront setting.

Together, these moments capture the true essence of a Tropical Christmas, joyful, effortless, and warmly shared.

As the year draws to a close, the Retro Tropicana New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown invites guests to welcome 2026 in true SAii style, surrounded by ocean breeze, glowing lanterns, and beautifully curated cuisine. It is a celebration that blends understated elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.

The season continues with experiences that celebrate renewal, connection, and the joy of being outdoors. Guests can join Roots of Hope, a meaningful tree-planting initiative that honours nature and community, or take part in the island’s spirited Padel Tennis Tournament, where friendly competition meets the carefree rhythm of the tropics.

As the festive season unfolds, SAii Lagoon Maldives invites guests to celebrate the season with warmth, laughter, and a sense of effortless joy. From sparkling evenings by the ocean to shared meals and lively gatherings, the festivities capture the spirit of the island — bright, welcoming, and full of memorable moments for every guest.

To learn more about SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and book your next mindful escape, visit saiihotels.com/lagoon-maldives

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives strikes right chord this festive season with ‘Beach, Baubles & Beats’

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is all set to celebrate the festive season in style with “Beach, Baubles & Beats”, a vibrant holiday experience running from 21st December 2025 to 10th January 2026. Nestled on the pristine shores of the Maldives, the resort will transform into a musical playground where sun, sand, flavors, and festive cheer come together in perfect harmony.

Guests can expect a symphony of experiences, from lively live band performances and soulful acoustic sets to high-energy DJ sessions under the stars. Every moment is designed to keep the rhythm alive, whether it’s an afternoon jam by the pool, a sunset beach party, or an electrifying New Year’s Eve countdown. Culinary delights set the stage with a range of themed feasts, from zesty Tostilocos and margaritas to indulgent seafood and lobster nights, turning every meal into a celebration of taste and creativity.

The little rockstars are not left out, with Roxity Kids Club offering festive crafts, cookie decorating, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and holiday joy. From playful beach games to interactive performances, families can enjoy shared experiences that create lasting memories.

Signature events will light up the season, including magical tree lightings, Christmas Eve gala dinners, Santa’s grand arrival, and New Year’s Eve parties that combine mesmerizing performances, fire shows, and beachside beats. Each day and night blends music, movement, and festive spirit, creating a seamless celebration from dawn to dusk.

Whether guests are swaying to acoustic melodies, dancing poolside to DJ beats, or savoring a decadent festive feast, “Beach, Baubles & Beats” at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives promises a holiday season filled with rhythm, joy, and unforgettable moments.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives.

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils festive season programme with beachside Christmas, Gatsby-themed New Year

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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort unveils its Festive Season programming with “Golden Nights, Timeless Lights,” a celebratory series inspired by the glamour and spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Running from December 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026, the calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with wellness-forward experiences that capture the magic of the season in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Festivities begin on December 22 with a tree-lighting ceremony that sets the tone for a fortnight of golden evenings and joyful gatherings. On December 24, a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party invites guests to dress to dazzle while sipping signature concoctions crafted by the resort’s mixologists. Christmas Day brings a special appearance from Santa Claus and a warm meet-and-greet for families, complemented by a full program at the Westin Family Kids Club, including gingerbread house decorating, Christmas bingo, and more.

The season crescendos on December 31 with The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, a barefoot beach celebration where vintage elegance meets island flair. Guests can expect an exquisite international buffet, a live swing band, a mesmerizing fire dance performance, and a dazzling fireworks finale to welcome 2026 in an unforgettable way.

Throughout the holidays, the resort’s Move Well and Play Well ethos takes center stage. Sunrise yoga, energizing beach workouts, the scenic runWestin program, and various complimentary recharging activities offer restorative balance to evenings of celebration. Guests can also venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks. For rejuvenation, guests are invited to indulge in a relaxing treatment at Heavenly Spa by Westin™, an overwater sanctuary with a glass floor and sweeping ocean views.

The resort’s five distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed dinners, each showcasing fresh flavors and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathered for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or a family meal under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.

To secure your year-end getaway and for more information, visit westin-maldives.com. Click here to see the full festive calendar at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

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