Key Points
- India sees a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases, with 257–312 active cases reported across multiple states.
- Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad among cities witnessing notable increases after months of low numbers.
- Most new cases are mild; no evidence that current variants are more severe or spreading faster than before.
- Delhi government issues advisory: hospitals to ensure beds, oxygen, medicines, and genome sequencing of positive samples.
- Rise attributed to Omicron subvariant JN.1 and its offshoots; experts urge vigilance, especially for vulnerable groups.
New Delhi: India is witnessing a renewed rise in COVID-19 cases after a prolonged period of low transmission, with the latest figures showing 257–312 active cases nationwide. The surge, though modest compared to previous waves, has prompted health authorities to reinforce protocols and advisories, particularly in major urban centers.
Where Are Cases Rising?
- Delhi has reported 23 new cases the city’s largest single-day increase in nearly three years with all patients experiencing mild, flu-like symptoms. Health Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that hospitals are on alert, with special monitoring teams deployed and daily reporting protocols reinstated.
- Mumbai has logged 95 cases in May alone, accounting for nearly 90% of Maharashtra’s total since January. Sixteen patients have required hospitalization, and authorities are transferring some to specialized COVID-19 facilities to manage the caseload.
- Bengaluru accounts for 32 of Karnataka’s 35 active cases, including a nine-month-old baby currently under treatment. Officials note a steady increase over the past three weeks and urge high-risk groups to resume COVID-appropriate behavior.
- Ahmedabad and other cities in Gujarat, as well as parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, have also reported new infections, though most patients are stable and under home isolation.
Government Response and Hospital Preparedness
In response to the uptick, the Delhi government has issued a comprehensive advisory to all hospitals:
- Ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, essential medicines, and vaccines.
- Mandate daily reporting of COVID-19 and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases on official health data portals.
- Send all positive COVID-19 samples to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing to monitor for emerging variants.
- Conduct refresher training for healthcare staff and reinforce testing protocols, including testing 5% of ILI and 100% of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases.
Neighboring regions, including Ghaziabad (UP) and Gurugram (Haryana), have also reported new cases, prompting similar advisories and heightened surveillance.
What’s Driving the Rise?
The current increase is attributed to the Omicron subvariant JN.1 and its subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are known for higher transmissibility and immune evasion. However, health experts emphasize that:
- Nearly all new cases are mild, with no significant rise in hospitalizations or deaths.
- There is no evidence that these variants are more dangerous or spread significantly faster than earlier strains.
- Most severe outcomes, where they occur, are linked to comorbidities or vulnerable populations.
No Cause for Panic, But Caution Advised
Authorities stress that India’s COVID-19 situation remains under control, with robust surveillance and hospital preparedness in place. The public is urged to:
- Stay updated on vaccinations and booster shots.
- Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places.
- Practice hand hygiene and isolate if symptomatic.
- High-risk groups elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic conditions should remain especially vigilant.
Regional and Global Context
The rise in India mirrors similar trends in Southeast Asia, with countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand also reporting spikes due to new Omicron subvariants. Indian health authorities are closely monitoring the global situation and are prepared to act swiftly if needed.
