Covid cases in India surge to 3,395, 4 dead in past 24 hours; Delhi sees highest daily spike

Active Covid-19 cases in India have risen to 3,395, a significant increase over the past ten days. The southernmost state of Kerala remains the most affected, reporting 1,336 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on May 31.

In the last 24 hours, 685 new infections have been recorded. Four men from Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have died due to Covid-19 complications.

In Delhi, the death involved a 71-year-old man with pneumonia, septic shock, and acute kidney injury. Delhi saw the largest daily increase, with 81 more active cases in a single day.

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What are health authorities saying?

Despite the rise in cases, health authorities advise there is no need to panic as most patients have mild symptoms and are being treated at home.

Over the past 24 hours, 265 people have been discharged.

Officials from the Union health ministry are closely monitoring the situation.

On May 22, India had only 257 active Covid cases. By May 26, this number had increased to 1,010 and has now surged to 3,395, more than a tenfold rise in just over a week.

Kerala accounts for over a third of the country’s active cases, while Maharashtra and Delhi also have significant numbers. Other states like Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117) are also experiencing steady increases.

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Delhi issues advisory

In response to the rising numbers, the Delhi government issued a comprehensive advisory on May 23, instructing hospitals to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including oxygen, medications, beds, and life-support equipment like ventilators and BiPAP machines.

This advisory is part of broader measures being implemented by various state governments across India.

What’s behind recent surge in Covid cases?

The recent rise in cases coincides with the detection of new sub-variants of the Omicron strain, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.

Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), reinforced that stance, stating, “We have been vigilant about the situation. Overall, we should keep watch and stay alert, but there’s no reason to worry.”

He explained that these sub-variants, which include LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1, are not severe.

The World Health Organization has categorised these strains as “Variants Under Monitoring,” rather than “Variants of Concern,” indicating they are not currently considered a serious global threat.

Although the new sub-variants may spread more easily, they have not shown an increase in severity of illness. Their rapid spread has been observed in countries like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia, leading Indian authorities to adopt a cautious approach.