India’s COVID-19 Cases Surge to 2,710, 7 Fatalities Reported: Health Ministry

National News: The country recorded seven deaths in the past 24 hours, primarily among patients with comorbidities. This spike, driven by new Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, has put states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi on high alert. While the situation is under control, the ministry has emphasized preparedness and public caution to prevent further escalation.

Rapid Rise in Active Cases

The Health Ministry’s latest data reveals a sharp increase in active COVID-19 cases, rising from 1,009 on May 26 to 2,710 within a week. The surge is attributed to highly transmissible sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, first detected in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, respectively. These variants, classified as Variants Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization, have fueled case spikes in Asia, including India. Symptoms remain mild for most, including fever, sore throat, and fatigue, with only a small fraction requiring hospitalization. The ministry has reviewed infrastructure from previous waves, ensuring oxygen plants and ICU beds are operational. Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav reassured the public, stating, “Our health systems are fully equipped to handle any eventuality.”

Fatalities and Regional Impact

The seven reported deaths highlight the vulnerability of those with pre-existing conditions. In Delhi, a 60-year-old woman with post-laparotomy complications succumbed, with COVID-19 as an incidental finding. Karnataka reported a 70-year-old man due to cardiorespiratory issues and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. Gujarat and other states also recorded fatalities, with details pending. Kerala’s high case load is partly due to robust testing, with 227 new cases in a single day.

Government Response and Public Advisory

The Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, with the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium tracking variant spread. Vaccination remains a cornerstone, with over 720 million fully vaccinated by January 2022, and boosters are advised for high-risk groups. Public advisories emphasize masks, social distancing, and hygiene, particularly for the elderly and those with health conditions. While lockdowns are not planned, localized measures in hotspots like Kerala are in place. The ministry’s proactive stance aims to balance containment with normalcy, learning from past waves to manage this resurgence effectively.