India’s active Covid-19 cases reached 5,364 on Friday, with 498 new infections and four additional deaths reported in the last 24 hours. In response, the Centre conducted mock drills to assess facility-level preparedness, while several states issued public health advisories.
Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi Among Worst Hit
Kerala remains the worst-affected state, recording 192 new cases. Gujarat followed with 107, West Bengal with 58, and Delhi with 30 new infections. These states have significantly contributed to the recent spike. Delhi currently has 592 active cases and has recorded seven deaths since January 1, though no new fatalities have been reported since Thursday.
Centre Issues Directives to Boost Readiness
As reported by Hindustan Times, the Union health ministry has instructed all states to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. Additionally, it has emphasized the importance of proper Covid-19 testing to curb potential outbreaks.
Maharashtra Reports Steady Rise
Maharashtra added 114 new cases on Friday, taking its total to 1,276 infections since January. The state reported one more death, increasing the toll to 18. According to the health department, 17 of these patients had underlying health conditions, highlighting the risks posed to individuals with comorbidities.
Haryana Reports Localised Clusters
Haryana recorded 31 new cases, with Gurugram and Faridabad accounting for the majority. Specifically, Faridabad registered 11 cases and Gurugram nine. Other districts such as Karnal, Jhajjar, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Hisar, and Panchkula also reported a few cases each. The state now has 87 active Covid-19 cases out of 151 cumulative infections. Currently, only two patients are hospitalised.
State health minister Arti Singh Rao urged the public to remain alert. “Timely action and adherence to preventive measures can effectively control the virus spread,” she said, reassuring that there is no need to panic.
Odisha Issues Advisory Ahead of Rath Yatra
Odisha reported seven new cases on Friday, raising its active caseload to 23. Health officials noted that none of the patients are in serious condition. Public health director Nilakantha Mishra confirmed that five to seven cases are being detected daily and that discussions are underway with central authorities regarding public advisories.
Dr. Amarendra Nath Mohanty, state health services director, advised symptomatic individuals to avoid attending the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri. Instead, they should follow the festival via television or digital platforms.
With schools reopening on June 20, education minister Nityananda Gond announced that students displaying Covid-like symptoms will be required to wear masks. Those with more severe symptoms will need to stay home and self-isolate.
West Bengal Sees Recovery Outpace Infections
West Bengal detected 58 new cases in the past 24 hours, while 91 patients recovered, reducing the state’s active caseload to 596. The death toll remains unchanged at one. Health officials assured that the situation is under control but advised the public to continue following health protocols and wear masks.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
With rising Covid-19 cases and the possibility of further spread, state and central health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. While current hospitalization rates and severity remain low, experts stress the importance of testing, preventive measures, and public awareness to prevent another surge.