While India is reporting a new surge in Covid-19 cases, the central government has made RT-PCR testing compulsory for ministers to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Times of India reported. The move comes in the backdrop of increasing cases in several states.
Covid Tally Rises; Deaths Reported from Three States
India reported 306 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the active cases to 7,121, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Six people lost their lives to the virus over the same period—three in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Maharashtra. A 43-year-old immunocompromised man and elderly persons with persistent health conditions were among them.
New Covid Variants Driving the Surge
Health officials blame the sudden surge in cases on fresh virus strains, such as LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently discovered NB.1.8.1 subvariant. These changes have created alarm, and local governments have taken the initiative to take preventive measures.
States Act with Precaution and Preparation
Although the Union Health Ministry has not issued a fresh advisory for the public at large, some states have taken out their own guidelines.
In Karnataka, the government asked citizens to join hands with health officials and prevent the spread of the virus.
The Delhi government on May 23 instructed hospitals to make sure beds, oxygen supply, medicines, and vaccines are available. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tried to allay citizens’ fears, saying, “There is no need to worry. The Delhi government is on the alert and hospitals are ready to handle any situation.”
In Odisha, too, Health Secretary Aswathy S shared the same sentiments, stating, “The recent ICMR report states that the current variant does not have severe symptoms, and all cases are mild. Secondly, the Centre has also not released any guidelines but has told everyone to be careful in the wake of the altering weather.”
Arunachal Pradesh State Surveillance Officer Lobsang Jampa cautioned citizens to remain calm. “The health department is keeping a close eye on the situation and taking all precautions to avoid the virus spreading. We are also tracing contacts of all possible persons that the two women could have been in contact with,” he said.
Experts from all over the country have asked people to keep adhering to Covid-appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, hand hygiene, and staying away from congested areas.
The centre has also issued advisories to state and union territories focusing on the need for preparedness and vigilance. Physicians caution that Covid-19 symptoms are very much similar to seasonal viral fevers and therefore timely diagnosis is crucial. The ongoing wave seems to be fueled by less severe variants, with health authorities assuring that the majority of infections are not serious. Still, with rising infections, calls for vigilance are at a high level.
