Not quite like 2020, but COVID-19 is rising again, and India is starting to feel it too. The country is witnessing a slight increase in infections. Health officials have reported that the number of active COVID-19 cases in India currently stands at 257, and the situation is being closely monitored. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain surveillance on cases of influenza-like illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
A review meeting was held on Monday, May 19, chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals participated in the meeting.
The Union Health Ministry has stated that it remains alert and proactive regarding the current situation. It has also reassured the public that a strong surveillance system is in place to monitor respiratory illnesses. This system is being supported by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR.
New COVID-19 cases have been reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. In the past week, Kerala recorded 69 new cases, followed by Maharashtra with 44 and Tamil Nadu with 34. As of now, Maharashtra has 56 active cases.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), two deaths were reported at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel, Mumbai, a 14-year-old girl and a 54-year-old woman.
However, hospital authorities clarified that these deaths were not directly caused by COVID-19 but were linked to pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypocalcaemic seizures with nephrotic syndrome and cancer. Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of monitoring and caution as cases gradually rise.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)