Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 26: As Covid-19 cases show an upward trend in parts of India, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl has reassured citizens that there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that the infections are largely non-severe.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dr Bahl said, “There is an increase in the number of infections. And we are keeping a close eye on it. However, the percentage of severe cases remains generally low, so there is nothing to worry about.”
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has reported 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala (430), Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104) accounting for the majority. Seven deaths have been recorded so far—four from Maharashtra, two from Kerala, and one from Karnataka.
The rise in infections has been linked to new subvariants of the virus. As per the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 strains descendants of the JN.1 variant are currently responsible for the surge. “These subvariants have the ability to evade prior immunity, whether from natural infection or vaccination, but their impact is less severe than previous variants like Omicron,” Bahl explained.
While the new strains may spread, Dr Bahl noted that the rate of transmission appears to be slower compared to earlier waves when case numbers used to double rapidly. “The seriousness of the situation depends on how quickly the cases rise, and right now, the trajectory doesn’t seem steep,” he added.
Nevertheless, the government is taking proactive steps. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently chaired a review meeting with senior health officials, including the ICMR and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), to assess the current situation and ensure preparedness.
In the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also assured the public that there is “no panic situation.” She said guidelines have been issued to all hospitals, and surveillance is being intensified.
Last week, the Delhi government released a Covid-19 advisory directing hospitals to ensure readiness in terms of beds, oxygen supply, essential drugs, and vaccines. It also mandated that all positive samples be sent for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital to detect any possible mutations.
“All health institutions must ensure the functional status of ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA plants,” the advisory stated.
While authorities urge calm, they have called for increased vigilance and public cooperation to stay prepared in the event of any sudden spike.