Delhi reported 104 active cases of COVID-19, out of which 99 have been reported since May 19 and 24 patients were discharged or recovered, according to the state dashboard.
According to the central COVID-19 dashboard, there are 1,009 active cases across the country, including those in Kerala with 430 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 209 cases, and Delhi with 104. The cases in Delhi and other parts of the country come after a spike in coronavirus disease cases was reported in Asian countries.
Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said only those patients should be tested in whom there is an indication, not in every case.
“Obviously, the numbers are rising, but we should not press the panic button. If we look at other viral cases, 104 in a week is a minuscule number. Because the numbers are rising, we have to be watchful. Now, we can start investigating a bit more if there is a reason,” he said.
According to reports, the spread of Omicron-related variants has led to the latest rise in the number of COVID-29 cases. The sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant (LF.7 and NB1.8) have been confirmed by health authorities in these countries. JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as ‘Pirola’ strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage.
Last Friday, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said 23 COVID-19 cases were reported from private labs, adding hospitals are prepared to tackle any surge in cases. “We have had a conversation with medical superintendents regarding preparations. Eight of our senior officials are visiting hospitals daily. Our hospitals are prepared with oxygen and oximeters,” he said.
The Delhi health department also issued an order last week to all government and private hospitals to ensure adequate beds, and a supply of oxygen, antibiotics, and other drugs and vaccines. According to the health department, hospitals have been told to ensure that equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP machines, and oxygen concentrators are functional.
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“Refresher training of dedicated staff may be conducted. Report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities (OPD/IPD) daily on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Confirmed influenza and COVID-19 cases may also be reported on IHIP,” the advisory added.
The order, issued by the special secretary, instructed daily reporting of all parameters on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal, and adequate testing as per COVID-19 testing guidelines.
“Ensure Covid-19 testing of 5% ILI cases & 100% SARI cases. ICMR guidelines for testing are attached. Send all positive COVID-19 samples for whole genome sequencing to the Lok Nayak Hospital to enable timely detection of new variants, if any,” said the advisory.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
