COVID-19 cases are rising in India, but ICMR says there’s no cause for concern. Infections remain mild, with active monitoring by health authorities. Delhi and national advisories stress hospital readiness and genome sequencing of all positive samples.
Amid a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 cases across India, the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl, has assured the public that while infections are increasing, there is no need for alarm as most cases remain mild and non-severe.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Dr. Bahl emphasized that the current wave of COVID-19 cases is being actively monitored by health authorities. “There is an increase in the number of infections, but the severity among cases is generally low,” he noted. “So far, there is nothing to worry about.”
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India currently has 1,009 active COVID-19 cases. The highest numbers have been reported from Kerala (430), Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104). Unfortunately, seven deaths have also been reported — four from Maharashtra, two from Kerala, and one from Karnataka.
Dr. Bahl explained that the current variants in circulation — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — are descendants of the JN.1 variant. These subvariants, while capable of evading immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, are considered less potent compared to earlier strains such as Omicron.
“The seriousness of the situation is linked to how quickly the virus is spreading. Previously, cases doubled within a day, but that trend isn’t evident now,” Bahl added. “We are closely watching the developments.”
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), which monitors genetic variations of the virus, has confirmed the role of these subvariants in the recent surge. Still, Dr. Bahl reassured that their impact remains manageable.
In response to the rising numbers, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava convened a high-level meeting with officials from DGHS and ICMR to review preparedness. Dr. Bahl confirmed that the government will continue its strict surveillance.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated that the situation remains under control. “We have analysed the scenario and there is no panic situation,” she said. Guidelines have already been issued to hospitals to maintain readiness.
The Delhi government last week released an advisory directing all health institutions to ensure adequate stocks of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. Hospitals have also been instructed to send all positive COVID-19 samples to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing.
Healthcare institutions must keep all essential equipment — including ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA units — in fully functional condition, the advisory emphasized.
While cases may be rising, both central and state governments are taking proactive steps to monitor and manage the situation, ensuring the public remains safe without causing undue concern.
