As India witnesses a gradual rise in Covid-19 cases, health authorities have urged the public to remain calm, citing that most infections remain mild and manageable. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, addressed the recent surge on Monday, emphasizing that while the numbers are inching upward, the severity of cases is notably low. “There is an increase in infections, but there is no cause for panic,” Dr. Bahl said. “The number of severe cases remains very limited, and we are actively monitoring the situation.”
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country has recorded 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala (430), Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104) leading in case counts. Unfortunately, seven fatalities have also been reported—four in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka.
Dr. Bahl highlighted that the current rise doesn’t resemble earlier waves where case numbers doubled rapidly. “This time, the rate of transmission is slower,” he noted. The subvariants currently responsible—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, both offshoots of the JN.1 variant—have shown some ability to bypass existing immunity, whether from prior infection or vaccination. Still, their overall impact remains less severe than previous strains, such as Delta or Omicron.
Nonetheless, the ICMR chief stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring readiness for any potential spike. “We’re closely observing trends, and health systems must stay prepared,” he added.
A high-level review of the Covid situation was held recently by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, with top officials from DGHS and ICMR in attendance. The consensus: no need for alarm, but continue proactive monitoring.
In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta echoed similar sentiments. “There is no panic. Guidelines have been issued, and all hospitals are on alert,” she stated. The Delhi government has already released an advisory instructing healthcare facilities to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen supplies, essential medicines, and vaccines.
Further, all positive Covid-19 samples are being sent for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital, to keep tabs on variant evolution. Hospitals have also been directed to ensure all life-saving equipment—such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and PSA plants—are in working condition. With health authorities actively tracking and managing the situation, the message to citizens is clear: stay informed, stay cautious, but don’t panic.
