No Need to Panic Over Rising Covid-19 Cases, Say Medical Experts Amid Fresh Surge
New Delhi: As India witnesses a mild uptick in Covid-19 cases, medical experts have urged the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and follow basic preventive measures.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) on Saturday reassured citizens that the situation is being closely monitored by health authorities.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases as of May 19.
The states with the highest case counts include Kerala (69), Maharashtra (44), and Tamil Nadu (34). Delhi recorded 23 new cases, while two fresh infections were reported from Gurugram and one each from Faridabad and Noida.
"With Covid-19 cases being reported in different parts of India, there is no need to panic. What we recommend is enhanced surveillance and continued public awareness," said Dr. Dinesh Goel, Paediatrician and President of IMA Janak Puri, while speaking to IANS.
He further advised people to adhere to simple precautionary measures such as “using masks in crowded areas and maintaining hygiene.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Popli from the Delhi Medical Association stressed the importance of remaining cautious without succumbing to fear.
“There is no need to panic over the recent increase in Covid-19 cases. The situation is under constant monitoring by health authorities and the Delhi Medical Association,” Dr. Popli told IANS.
The current surge in cases is being attributed to the Omicron variant and its sub-lineages, particularly the JN.1 subvariant and its descendants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These are being closely tracked by experts.
As per the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a network of 64 laboratories under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, one case of the NB.1.8.1 variant was identified in Tamil Nadu in April, and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May.
Both NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have been classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO). A VUM is defined as a SARS-CoV-2 variant that may require prioritized attention and monitoring by public health agencies.
In response to the emerging situation, the Delhi government has issued an advisory to all hospitals, directing them to ensure preparedness in terms of bed availability, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and vaccines.
Reinforcing the message of precaution, Dr. Popli added, “With responsible behaviour, we can all stay safe. Wearing masks in crowded places and maintaining hygiene can go a long way in preventing infection.”
(with IANS inputs)
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.