New Delhi: Amid an uptick in Covid-19 cases across the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm. ICMR director general Dr Rajiv Bahl said that the variants currently circulating are sub-lineages of Omicron and are causing only mild illness.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Dr Bahl said, “There is no need to panic. The severity of infections reported so far is low. These cases are similar to common viral illnesses, with symptoms including mild fever, cough, and cold.” He added that the situation is being closely monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR’s respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network.
1,009 active Covid-19 cases
India currently has 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala accounting for 430 cases, followed by Maharashtra (209), Gujarat (83), Tamil Nadu (69), and Karnataka (47). Delhi has reported 104 active cases.
The recent rise has been attributed to four Omicron subvariants: LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. While LF.7 and NB.1.8 have been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “Variants Under Monitoring”, they are not considered Variants of Concern or Interest.
‘Transmissibility, immune evasion, and severity’
Dr Bahl explained that the ICMR is tracking three key factors: transmissibility, immune evasion, and severity. “Though we are seeing a gradual spread from southern and western regions to the north, most infections are manageable with home isolation,” Dr Bahl added.
Delhi health minister Pankaj Singh also urged the public not to worry, calling the recent measures “standard precautions” rather than emergency responses. “Hospitals have been asked to ensure readiness with beds, oxygen, and essential medicines, but this is routine preparedness,” he said.
On the subject of vaccination, Dr Bahl stated there is no immediate need for booster doses, though the government is equipped to evaluate and manufacture vaccines if the situation evolves.
