Quick Read
- India’s active Covid-19 cases surpassed 6,000, with 769 new infections reported in the past 48 hours.
- Kerala remains the worst-hit state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.
- Six deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, raising this year’s total fatalities to 65.
- Central and state authorities are conducting mock drills to ensure healthcare readiness.
- Enhanced monitoring of SARI and ILI cases is underway, with genome sequencing for positive samples.
India is witnessing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, with active infections crossing the 6,000 mark, according to the Union health ministry’s latest update released on Sunday. This surge comes after the country reported 769 new cases over the past 48 hours and six fatalities within the last 24 hours. Since January, India has recorded 65 Covid-related deaths.
States hit hardest by the new wave
Kerala continues to bear the brunt of the latest spike, recording the highest number of active cases at 1,950. Gujarat follows with 822 cases, West Bengal at 693, and Delhi with 686. In addition, Maharashtra and Karnataka reported 595 and 366 active cases, respectively. Among the recent fatalities, two were reported in Karnataka, while Tamil Nadu confirmed one death.
The surge is notable when compared to May 22, when the total active cases stood at just 257. This sudden escalation has raised concerns among health authorities.
How authorities are responding to the rise
In response to the uptick in cases, the central government has ramped up its preparedness measures. Mock drills are being conducted across healthcare facilities to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supplies, availability of isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. Officials have also emphasized the need for vigilance, given the potential for further increases in cases.
Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, led a series of technical review meetings on June 2 and 3. These discussions involved multiple agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and state health representatives, to assess the readiness to manage the situation.
Enhanced monitoring of respiratory illnesses
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has intensified its monitoring of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). As per guidelines, all admitted SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases are being tested for Covid-19. Positive SARI samples are being sent for Whole Genome Sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network to track potential variants.
An official source noted, “Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases. Positive samples undergo genome sequencing for better understanding of the virus evolution.”
Majority of cases remain mild
While the surge has raised alarms, officials have clarified that most cases are mild and are being managed at home. Nevertheless, health authorities are preparing for any possible escalation, ensuring that healthcare systems remain robust and responsive.
Looking ahead: Challenges and next steps
The current rise in cases underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness. As India navigates this new phase of the pandemic, authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious, follow safety protocols, and stay informed about health guidelines.
With active cases surpassing 6,000, India faces a critical moment in its Covid-19 response. As authorities ramp up preparedness, the emphasis remains on minimizing the impact of the surge while closely monitoring the evolving situation.