NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Friday issued an advisory on Covid, asking hospitals to prepare for availability of beds, oxygen, medicines and vaccines.The government has asked the health institutions to send all positive samples for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital.Health authorities are closely monitoring a rise in Covid cases across multiple states, amid a resurgence of infections in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore. While overall case numbers remain low compared to previous waves, cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad have reported small but notable surge in infections.Mumbai has reported 95 new Covid cases in May — a significant increase compared to the state’s total of 106 since January, according to the Maharashtra health department.At least 16 people are currently hospitalised, with most being shifted from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb potential transmission. Authorities are testing all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for Covid.Although the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023, Covid continues to circulate globally. In India, most cases remain mild, and no deaths or ICU admissions have been linked to the latest uptick.Health experts have advised the public — particularly the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions to resume basic precautions such as mask-wearing in enclosed spaces and frequent handwashing. Doctors also recommend influenza vaccination to reduce risk and severity of co-infections.Health authorities in India are closely tracking a gradual uptick in Covid cases across several states, as parts of Asia — including Hong Kong and Singapore — witness a resurgence of infections. Though nationwide case numbers remain low compared to earlier waves, cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have reported a noticeable rise in infections. In Mumbai alone, 95 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in May — almost matching the state’s total of 106 since January, according to the Maharashtra health department. At least 16 patients are currently hospitalised, with many being transferred from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital in a bid to limit transmission. Authorities have begun testing all patients exhibiting influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) symptoms for Covid. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic over in May 2023, the virus continues to circulate globally. In India, most of the recent cases are mild, and no deaths or intensive care admissions have been reported so far in connection with the current rise. Health experts have urged the public, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, to reintroduce basic precautions such as wearing masks in enclosed spaces and practicing frequent hand hygiene. Doctors are also recommending influenza vaccination to lower the risk and severity of potential co-infections. The recent increase in cases is being attributed to highly transmissible sub-variants and a natural decline in immunity among the population. While most people have previously contracted Covid, that immunity is now gradually waning. This shift in variant dominance has contributed to a 28% spike in cases in Singapore during the week ending May 3, 2025. In Hong Kong, test positivity rates have more than doubled—from 6.21% to 13.66% over a four-week period—signaling rapid spread of the virus.
