New Delhi: India has witnessed a steady uptick in Covid-19 infections over the past week, with several states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka reporting increased case numbers. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi recorded 104 new cases, Kerala 430, and Maharashtra 209 in the last seven days.
The country currently has a total of 1,009 active cases. Other states reporting fresh infections include Tamil Nadu (69 cases), Karnataka (47), Gujarat (83), Uttar Pradesh (15), Rajasthan (13), and West Bengal (12). Most of these cases are mild and are being managed through home isolation, officials confirmed.
The rise in infections coincides with the detection of two new subvariants of the coronavirus — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — identified by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified these subvariants as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating they do not currently pose a significant global health risk.
Amid the surge, two virus-related deaths have been reported: an 84-year-old man with comorbidities in Bengaluru and a 21-year-old diabetic patient in Maharashtra’s Thane.
Bihar also confirmed its first case in the current wave, with a 31-year-old Patna resident testing positive. Authorities stated the infection was mild and all protocols were being followed. Meanwhile, West Bengal reported four more infections, and Jharkhand logged its first case of the current wave.
In response to the rise in cases, the Union Health Secretary conducted a high-level review with top officials, including representatives from the Department of Health Research, ICMR, DGHS, and the National Centre for Disease Control.
Health authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, continue following preventive measures, and stay up to date with vaccinations. While the situation remains under control, officials advise against panic as the nation closely monitors the evolving developments.
