COVID-19 Cases Surge in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra; Health Ministry Issues Fresh Guidelines
India is experiencing a gradual surge in COVID-19 cases in multiple states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Delhi, prompting health authorities to issue alerts urging public vigilance. According to the Union Health Ministry, the country currently has 257 active COVID-19 cases, with the vast majority being mild and manageable at home.
While this increase is not causing widespread alarm, it has prompted health officials to remain attentive, especially considering that sporadic cases are reported across various regions. Kerala leads the active case count with 95, followed by Tamil Nadu at 66 and Maharashtra at 56. Other states with noteworthy, yet manageable, case numbers include Karnataka (13), Puducherry (10), Gujarat (7), and Delhi (5).
A summary of the active COVID-19 case count per state – as of May 25 – is as follows:
- Kerala: 95
- Tamil Nadu: 66
- Maharashtra: 56
- Karnataka: 13
- Puducherry: 10
- Gujarat: 7
- Delhi: 5
- Rajasthan: 2
- Haryana, Sikkim, West Bengal: 1 each
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, shared his insights with ANI. According to him, the present situation does not warrant panic. "At present, the situation is under control. These cases are sporadic and mostly mild, with no hospitalization required," he said, emphasizing that COVID-19 now behaves like a seasonal flu and can be effectively managed with basic care.
Despite the overall mild nature of cases, two recent fatalities have been reported. A 21-year-old diabetic patient passed away due to the virus in Maharashtra's Thane district, marking the second COVID-19 fatality in the state. In Karnataka, an 84-year-old comorbid patient succumbed to an infection-related complication.
Health authorities have also identified two new variants of COVID-19 - NB.1.8.1 (in Gujarat) and LF.7 (in Tamil Nadu). While neither variant has been classified as a variant of concern, they are closely monitored by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Union Health Ministry has recommended several precautions, particularly in public or crowded areas. Citizens are encouraged to use masks, maintain regular hand hygiene, and avoid travel if feeling unwell. With continued vigilance, authorities aim to curb the spread of the virus effectively.
The surge in COVID-19 cases in India has led health authorities to maintain vigilance, especially with the emergence of new medical-conditions, such as the NB.1.8.1 variant in Gujarat and LF.7 variant in Tamil Nadu. To keep the ongoing health-and-wellness issues manageable, the Union Health Ministry advises the use of masks, regular hand hygiene, and being cautious in public areas, with an emphasis on following these preventive measures to curb the virus's spread. Additionally, CBD products, which have shown promising results in improving overall health and immune system support, may be beneficial in maintaining well-being during these challenging times.
