New Delhi: India is witnessing a modest increase in COVID-19 cases, prompting health authorities to advise citizens to stay alert while stating that the current situation is not severe. In Haryana, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao confirmed four new cases—two each in Gurugram and Faridabad. All patients are in home isolation and reported only mild symptoms.
“There’s no need to panic,” Rao said. “We’ve ensured adequate arrangements to manage any potential spread.” Notably, none of the infected individuals had a recent travel history, and all had received COVID-19 vaccinations, which officials believe is helping reduce the severity of symptoms.
Karnataka urges caution
Karnataka has reported 35 cases so far this year, with a slight increase in recent weeks. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said there is no cause for alarm but recommended testing for anyone with serious respiratory symptoms. He urged the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity to avoid crowded places and continue following basic precautions. “There’s no reason to worry,” he said, citing central health data showing 257 active cases across the country, all categorised as mild.
In Uttarakhand, AIIMS Rishikesh reported three new infections, including a hospital staff member and a pilgrim from Gujarat. One patient has already been discharged. AIIMS Director Dr Meenu Singh said the current strain is not dangerous but advised individuals with pre-existing conditions to be cautious.
New subvariants under watch
Meanwhile, India’s genome surveillance team is monitoring new subvariants. INSACOG has identified one case of NB.1.8.1 in Tamil Nadu and four cases of LF.7 in Gujarat. Both variants are under observation by the World Health Organisation but are not labeled as variants of concern.
NB.1.8.1 carries spike protein mutations that could make it more transmissible and better at evading immunity. However, the JN.1 variant remains the most common in the country, making up over half of recent cases. New infections have also emerged in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala. Kerala alone recorded 273 cases in May, while Delhi logged 23 new cases this week. A nine-month-old child in Bengaluru also tested positive.
