India is seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases in several states, leading local authorities to prepare for a potential increase in demand for hospital beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. States and Union Territories such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi have reported new infections. Delhi recorded 23 cases recently and issued advisories to hospitals to stay ready.
New Variants Detected in India
Data from INSACOG reveals one case of the new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 and four cases of the LF.7 variant in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies both LF.7 and NB.1.8 as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not yet labeled as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). These variants are linked to recent spikes in Covid infections in China and parts of Asia.
Covid Situation Across States
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Most Cases Mild: The Union Health Secretary told ANI, “It is observed that most of these cases are mild and under home care. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely.” Most cases come from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other states.
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Karnataka’s Update: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the recent rise in cases is “nothing alarming.” Karnataka has reported 35 cases this year, with a slight increase in the last 15 days, leading to hospital advisories.
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Covid Death in Bengaluru: An 84-year-old man with underlying health issues died from Covid in Bengaluru, PTI reported. Also, a nine-month-old baby tested positive and is currently stable in Vani Vilas Hospital.
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Delhi’s Alert: Delhi recorded Covid cases for the first time in nearly three years, with 23 new infections. The government has urged hospitals to prepare beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. Delhi’s Health Minister confirmed all patients are stable.
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Haryana’s Response: Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao assured the public that the government is managing the rise in cases and advised against panic. The state currently has four active cases, none with recent international travel.
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UP Cases: In Noida, a 55-year-old woman tested positive and is home quarantined. Ghaziabad reported four cases, leading to increased health surveillance.
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Thane’s Update: Thane Municipal Corporation reported one Covid death and eight new cases. Out of 18 active patients, one is hospitalized, and the rest are in home isolation.
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Uttarakhand’s AIIMS Cases: AIIMS Rishikesh identified three Covid cases. One patient has been discharged, one is isolated, and the third, a pilgrim from Gujarat, is admitted.
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Telangana’s Case: Hyderabad reported a recovered case of a pulmonologist who followed isolation protocols and whose contacts were traced.
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Andhra Pradesh Cases: Andhra Pradesh confirmed four cases—three in Visakhapatnam and one in the Rayalaseema region. The cases include a woman, her family member, and a postgraduate medical student.
