Covid-19 resurfaces in India: Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra report fresh cases; hospitals directed to keep beds and oxygen ready
PTC Web Desk: After a prolonged period of minimal activity, Covid-19 is gradually re-emerging in several urban centres across India. This has prompted a series of precautionary measures by states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, with hospitals now placed on alert.
In a significant development, Delhi has reported 23 Covid-19 cases, marking the first such instance in three years. While the infections have so far remained mild with no reported fatalities, the government is not taking any chances. Delhi Health MinisterPankaj Singh stated there is “no need to panic” as the current strain behaves like “common influenza.” The government has instructed hospitals to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen cylinders, testing kits, and vaccines. Additionally, hospitals have been directed to upload daily data of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) on the integrated health platform.
The recent surge in cases is being attributed to the spread of the JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of the Omicron strain. Although not yet classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the variant has shown active transmission patterns across South Asia. Health experts have indicated that symptoms are generally mild, and infected individuals typically recover within four days. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, headaches, and exhaustion.
In the Delhi-NCR region, Noida reported its first case of the new wave on Saturday—a 55-year-old patient—while Ghaziabad has detected four cases so far.
Kerala has recorded the highest number of cases this month with 273 infections. In response, the state Health Minister has mandated mask-wearing in hospitals and advised individuals with cough or respiratory symptoms to use face coverings. Surveillance measures have also been intensified across all districts.
Karnataka has seen a moderate increase, reporting 35 Covid-19 cases, including a nine-month-old baby in Hoskote. The state health department has urged individuals showing SARI symptoms to undergo testing.
In Maharashtra, Mumbai alone has reported 95 Covid cases in May, accounting for the majority of the state’s infections. Despite this, the hospitalisation rate remains low, with just 16 patients admitted so far. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory for Covid testing of all SARI patients. In Thane district, 10 new cases have been detected over the past three days. Authorities have assured that adequate stockpiles of essential medicines are in place at all health centres.
Although Andhra Pradesh has not recorded a significant spike, the state has instructed all health facilities to maintain sufficient supplies of vaccines, PPE kits, and triple-layer masks. People returning from Covid-affected countries—mainly in Asia—are being encouraged to get tested as a precaution.
As the JN.1 variant quietly spreads, states are responding with cautious vigilance, ensuring preparedness without triggering public alarm.
- PTC NEWS
