Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 31: Amid a new wave of Covid-19 cases, India’s total number of active infections climbed to 2,170 on Saturday, with 511 fresh cases reported in the last 24 hours, according to the latest Health Ministry data.
Recoveries are also on the rise, with 255 patients discharged or migrated during the same period, bringing the cumulative recovery count since January 1 to 1,170.
Kerala remains the most affected state, accounting for 1,147 cases, followed by Maharashtra (424), Delhi (294), and Gujarat (223).
Deaths since January 1 stand at 22, with Maharashtra reporting the highest toll at 7, followed by Kerala (5) and Delhi (2).
The recent surge is driven by the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants — both descendants of the JN.1 lineage — according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). So far, neither variant has been classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC) or Variant of Interest (VOI) by the World Health Organization.
These variants may have some immune evasion potential, but there’s no evidence they cause severe or long-lasting infections. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), assured the public that there’s no cause for panic, emphasizing that the current infections are mild and the government is closely monitoring the situation.
However, Bahl urged increased vigilance to stay prepared for any potential surge.
In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed all hospitals to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines, while reassuring residents that the situation remains under control and there’s “no panic.”