Covid Cases Rising Slightly, But No Cause for Alarm: ICMR Chief

New Delhi — While India is witnessing a slight increase in Covid-19 infections, there is no reason to panic as most cases are mild, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl.

Dr. Bahl reassured the public that the central government is keeping a close watch on the situation. “There is an increase in the number of infections, but the good news is that the percentage of severe cases remains very low,” he said while speaking to the media on Monday.

As per the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has reported 1,009 active Covid cases. The highest number of cases have been recorded in Kerala (430), followed by Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104). Unfortunately, seven deaths have been reported recently—four in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka.

Dr. Bahl explained that the seriousness of the situation depends on how quickly the virus spreads. “In earlier waves, cases used to double in a day or even less. That doesn’t seem to be happening now,” he noted.

Data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) points to two new subvariants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—as the main contributors to the recent rise in cases. These are descendants of the JN.1 Covid variant. Although these subvariants can bypass immunity from past infections or vaccinations, they are considered to be less dangerous than previous strains like Omicron.

“We need to stay alert and prepared in case the number of cases rises sharply,” Dr. Bahl emphasized. He also mentioned that Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently chaired a high-level meeting with health officials, including the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and ICMR, to review the current situation.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also addressed the situation. She stated that all necessary guidelines have been issued to hospitals across the capital, and the administration is actively monitoring developments. “We have reviewed the situation, and there is no cause for panic,” she said.

Last week, the Delhi government released an advisory instructing hospitals to be ready for any spike in cases. The advisory called for the availability of beds, oxygen, essential medicines, and vaccines. It also emphasized that all medical equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA plants must be in working condition.

Hospitals have been asked to send all Covid-positive samples for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital to help track virus mutations effectively.

In summary, while the rise in Covid cases is being closely tracked by health authorities, the overall severity remains low. Citizens are advised to remain cautious, follow basic precautions, and not give in to fear or misinformation.