India Sees Mild Rise in Covid-19 Cases; Authorities Urge Preparedness, Not Panic

LUCKNOW: Health authorities across India are monitoring a mild yet noticeable uptick in Covid-19 cases across several states, even as most infections remain mild and manageable. While the situation is far from alarming, the renewed presence of the virus — especially in urban centres like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad — has prompted state and municipal health departments to initiate precautionary steps.

In Mumbai, Maharashtra has reported 95 new Covid-19 cases in May — a sharp increase compared to the state’s total of just 106 cases between January and April, according to data from the state health department. This rise comes amid a broader regional resurgence of Covid-19 infections in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore.

On Tuesday, the Maharashtra health department also confirmed two Covid-19-related deaths since January, underscoring the need for continued vigilance even though the overall case numbers remain low. Sixteen patients are currently hospitalised in Mumbai. As a precaution, many have been shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital in order to minimise the risk of transmission within hospital premises.

Authorities are now mandating Covid-19 testing for all patients showing symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). These steps are part of a broader push to detect potential Covid-19 cases early and prevent cluster outbreaks.

In Pune, officials are taking proactive measures despite having no active Covid-19 patients in public hospitals at present. The Pune Municipal Corporation has reserved 50 isolation beds at Naidu Hospital as a precautionary step.

“We had only one patient in May — an 87-year-old from Manjari — who has since fully recovered,” said Dr Nina Borade, health chief at the Pune Municipal Corporation. However, she added that testing is currently not being conducted in civic hospitals and noted that the city is awaiting updated guidelines from the Union Ministry of Health.

Similar trends are being seen in southern India. Tamil Nadu has reported 12 new cases in Puducherry. In Chennai, doctors are noticing a shift in diagnosis patterns. Fevers that were earlier attributed to influenza are now increasingly testing positive for Covid-19.

“This shift in clinical profile is important to track,” said Dr Subramaniam Swaminathan, an infectious diseases expert at Gleneagles Healthcity. “Two weeks ago, 60% of our viral samples tested positive for influenza A or B. Now, the majority are turning out to be Covid-19.”

Due to the perceived risk, some hospitals in Chennai have temporarily delayed elective surgeries, including organ transplants and heart procedures. Doctors say the aim is to avoid exposing immunocompromised patients to potential Covid-19 transmission in hospital settings.

Public health director Dr T S Selvavinayagam stressed that while the rise in numbers warrants caution, there is no need for panic. “Covid-19 never truly disappeared. It has continued to circulate at low levels and is showing seasonal peaks, much like influenza,” he said.

In Karnataka, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed that the state currently has 16 active cases, though none are in serious condition. Surveillance and sample collection efforts have been stepped up across districts to detect any early signs of further spread.

In Gujarat, seven new Covid-19 cases were reported in Ahmedabad in a single day — a significant jump in a city that has averaged just one case per month over the last year. All seven patients are in home isolation, and their samples have been sent for genomic sequencing to rule out the emergence of any new variants.

While India’s numbers remain low in comparison to the surges seen during previous waves, the rise coincides with a global trend. Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have also witnessed an increase in Covid-19 infections, primarily driven by Omicron subvariants.

It is worth noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 pandemic officially over in May 2023. However, the virus continues to circulate globally in endemic form. Scientists and public health experts have repeatedly warned that while Covid-19 is no longer a global emergency, it remains a public health threat, particularly for vulnerable populations.

In India, the current wave appears to be milder, with no ICU admissions or reported clusters, and most patients recovering at home. However, the two confirmed Covid-related deaths in Maharashtra serve as a reminder that the virus can still pose serious risks, especially to the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Doctors and health experts are advising the public — especially senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immunity — to resume basic precautions. These include wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms.

Additionally, physicians are recommending influenza vaccinations, particularly for vulnerable individuals, to reduce the risk of co-infection and to lessen the severity of symptoms if infected.

“The message is simple: we don’t need to panic, but we must remain prepared,” said Dr Swaminathan. “The virus is evolving, but so are we — with better treatments, better surveillance, and greater awareness.”

With the onset of monsoon and a general rise in seasonal infections, state governments are expected to issue updated advisories soon, including potential changes to testing protocols and hospital preparedness strategies. Until then, health officials are urging the public to remain alert, follow hygiene practices, and stay updated on local health advisories.