Fresh Covid 19 Spike in India: Over 5,000 Active Cases Nationwide
India is experiencing a noticeable increase in Covid-19 cases again. As of Friday, the country has recorded 5,364 active infections, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry at 8 AM. In the previous 24 hours alone, India reported 764 new Covid-19 cases and four deaths—two in Kerala, and one each in Punjab and Karnataka.
Kerala, Delhi, Bengal Among Most Affected
Kerala continues to be the worst-hit state in this latest surge, logging 192 new cases in a single day. Other states contributing significantly to the national case count include:
- Gujarat: 107 new cases
- West Bengal: 58 new cases
- Delhi: 30 new cases
These states, combined, added 498 new infections to the national total in the past 24 hours. Given this rise in infections, the central government has taken proactive steps by conducting mock drills in hospitals across the country. These drills aim to test hospital preparedness for a potential Covid-19 surge.
State-Wise Covid-19 Updates
Maharashtra:
On Friday, Maharashtra reported 114 new cases, increasing its total to 1,276 cases since January. One more Covid-related death was also reported, taking the total number of deaths in the state this year to 18. Pune and Mumbai remain the most affected cities, reporting 44 and 37 cases respectively. Smaller urban centers like Mira Bhayandar and Panvel each reported seven new cases.
West Bengal:
The state reported 58 new cases and 91 recoveries in the last 24 hours. It currently has 596 active cases. The total death count stands at one, with no new fatalities reported recently.
Delhi:
The national capital saw 30 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 592. Delhi has not reported any new deaths since Thursday. The overall death toll since January 1 remains at seven.
Chhattisgarh:
Following a nationwide alert, Chhattisgarh conducted screenings and identified 50 Covid-19 positive cases. This came after 1,183 people were tested due to concerns about a new Covid-19 variant. State officials have taken proactive steps to increase surveillance in response to rising cases elsewhere in India.
Haryana:
On Friday, Haryana logged 31 new Covid-19 cases. Gurugram and Faridabad were the worst affected districts, reporting nine and eleven new cases respectively. Other areas like Karnal, Jhajjar, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Hisar, and Panchkula also reported new cases. Currently, the state has 87 active cases, and 151 cumulative cases since the start of 2024.
Mild Symptoms, No Panic Yet
Officials and medical experts suggest that most new Covid-19 cases are mild and are being treated at home. There is currently no overwhelming burden on hospitals. Scientists have emphasized that Covid-19 has now transitioned into an endemic stage. This means the virus is here to stay, though it is generally milder than in previous waves. However, occasional surges are expected due to its evolving nature.
Experts also reassure the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm. The existing cases are largely manageable, and the healthcare system has significantly improved its ability to deal with such outbreaks since the pandemic began.
Hospital Preparedness and Central Guidelines
To ensure readiness, hospitals across the country participated in a mock drill on June 5. This exercise was aimed at testing the infrastructure and resources available to handle a sudden increase in Covid-19 cases. The central government has asked all states to:
- Ensure adequate oxygen supply
- Maintain functional ventilators
- Keep isolation beds ready
- Stock essential medicines
These measures are intended to prevent any last-minute panic or shortage of resources in case of a major surge.
National-Level Review Meetings
On June 2 and 3, a series of high-level technical review meetings were chaired by Dr. Sunita Sharma, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). These meetings included representatives from major health and disaster management agencies and state officials. The focus was on assessing the current situation and checking if states are ready for any future increase in Covid-19 cases.
Monitoring of ILI and SARI Cases
Authorities are closely observing two key indicators:
- ILI (Influenza Like Illness)
- SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness)
According to the government guidelines, all hospitalized SARI patients are being tested for Covid-19. In addition, 5 percent of ILI patients are randomly tested. If a SARI patient tests positive, their sample is sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) through the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network.
This genome sequencing helps identify any new variants of the virus and track how it may be changing. Detecting new variants early can help prevent their spread.
WHO’s Stand on Covid-19
The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially ended Covid-19’s classification as a global public health emergency in May 2023. However, health experts now describe Covid-19 as an endemic virus. This means that the virus will not completely go away, but it will stay in the population at a lower, more manageable level.
Covid-19 is now being compared to diseases like seasonal flu—it can come and go with occasional spikes. Though it is no longer considered an emergency, health systems are expected to remain alert and responsive.
What You Should Do
Given the recent spike in cases, here are some simple precautions everyone can take:
- Wear a mask in crowded places or while visiting hospitals
- Wash hands regularly
- Avoid going out if you have flu-like symptoms
- Get vaccinated and take booster doses as advised
- Follow local health guidelines
Even though most cases are mild, it’s important to stay cautious and not ignore symptoms. Elderly people and those with existing health conditions should be more careful.
Conclusion
India is seeing a new wave of Covid-19 infections, but the situation remains under control. Most cases are mild and being treated at home. The government has taken proactive steps by reviewing state preparedness, organizing mock drills, and tracking new variants through testing and genome sequencing.
Health experts and scientists have assured that there is no reason for panic. Covid-19, now endemic, will have occasional flare-ups, but with proper care, surveillance, and medical readiness, it can be managed effectively.
Public cooperation and awareness are key to preventing any major health crisis. By following simple precautions and staying informed, we can collectively help keep the situation stable and under control.