India’s Active Covid Cases Cross 5,000 Mark: A Cause for Concern

As the world struggles to cope with the ongoing pandemic, India’s active Covid case tally has crossed the 5,000 mark, leaving citizens and authorities alike on high alert. According to the Union Health Ministry data released on Friday, Kerala remains the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.

A Sudden Spike in Cases

The sudden spike in cases has prompted the Centre to conduct mock drills to check facility-level preparedness for COVID-19. All states have been instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines in view of rising cases of Covid. The latest data reveals that there are 5,364 active cases in India, with four fresh deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

Mild Cases, But Precautions Necessary

Official sources have maintained that most cases are mild and managed under home care. However, the fact that 55 deaths have been reported in the country since January this year is a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance. The total number of active patients in the country stood at a mere 257 on May 22, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus in recent weeks.

Technical Review Meetings Held

A series of technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 under the chairpersonship of Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), with representatives from various agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The meetings aimed to evaluate the current COVID-19 situation and preparedness measures, ensuring that the country is equipped to handle any potential surge in cases.

State and District Surveillance Units on High Alert

State and District surveillance units under IDSP are closely monitoring Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5 per cent of ILI cases, as per guidelines. Positive SARI samples are sent for Whole Genome Sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network, ensuring that any potential mutations or new strains of the virus are quickly identified and tracked.

The importance of Preparedness

The recent spike in cases serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and continued vigilance in the fight against COVID-19. As the country continues to navigate the pandemic, it is essential that citizens remain informed, take necessary precautions, and cooperate with authorities to ensure that the spread of the virus is controlled.

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Conclusion

The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India is a cause for concern, but with continued preparedness and vigilance, the country can navigate this challenging time. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and cooperating with authorities, citizens can play a vital role in controlling the spread of the virus. Remember to download the ETHealthworld App and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news and analysis on the pandemic and other health-related topics.

Content originally published by health.economictimes.indiatimes.com