Covid Cases Increasing,but not to panic as infections are not life-threatening: ICMR Chief
COVID-19 Dr. Rajiv Bahl, the director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research, stated on Monday that although the number of 19 infections in India is rising, there is no need for concern because they are not serious.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare‘s most recent data, there are 1,009 Covid instances across India, with the biggest numbers reported in Kerala (430), Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104). Additionally, there have been seven recorded deaths from Karnataka (1), Kerala (2), and Maharashtra (4).
According to the Director General, “how transmissible the virus is — that is, how quickly the cases are increasing” determines how serious the situation is. This situation doesn’t appear to be the same as the ones that used to double in a day or less.
However, “the number of infections has increased.” Speaking to reporters, Bahl stated, “And we are keeping a close eye on it.”
“There is nothing to worry about, as so far the percentage of severe cases, among all Covid cases, is generally low,” he said, despite the fact that the numbers are increasing.
According to the most recent data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), which was established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country’s increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases is caused by NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are offspring of the JN.1 Covid variant.
According to Bahl, these subvariants have the ability to “evade previous immunity whether natural or vaccine-induced”. According to him, their potential is lower than that of the earlier Omicron and other variations.
He also emphasized the necessity of “increasing vigilance, and to be prepared” in the event that the number of instances increases.
He reported that a meeting was held to discuss the Covid situation by Punya Salila Srivastava, the Union Health Secretary. “We are and will continue to monitor the situation very closely,” the DGHS and ICMR said during the event.
Rekha Gupta, the chief minister of Delhi, stated earlier on Monday that the government is keeping a careful eye on COVID cases and that directives have been sent to all hospitals.
“We have analysed the scenario and there is no panic situation,” stated Chief Minister Gupta.
The Delhi government released a Covid-19 illness notice last week, requesting that hospitals in the nation’s capital make sure that beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines are available.
All medical facilities are required to submit all positive Covid-19 samples to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing.
“The hospitals need to make sure that there are enough beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other medications, and vaccines available. According to the advise, all equipment, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators, Bi-PAP, and PSAs, must be in working order.