India’s Active COVID-19 Cases Surpass 5,000; States Implement New Advisories

India’s Active COVID-19 Cases Surpass 5,000: India is seeing a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases, with active infections reaching 5,364 on Friday, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry at 8 AM. In the last 24 hours, the country reported 764 new cases and four deaths, two in Kerala and one each in Punjab and Karnataka.

Kerala remains the most affected state, reporting 192 new cases in a day, followed by Gujarat (107), West Bengal (58), and Delhi (30), contributing to a nationwide rise of 498 new infections. In view of the rising cases, the Centre conducted mock drills to check hospital preparedness.

In Delhi, 30 new COVID-19 infections were reported, bringing the number of active cases to 592. The capital has recorded seven deaths since January 1, with no new fatalities reported since Thursday.

The Centre has directed all states to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Kerala continues to report the highest number of cases. In the last 24 hours alone, it registered 192 infections. Gujarat followed with 107, while West Bengal and Delhi reported 58 and 30 new cases respectively.

Maharashtra added 114 cases on Friday, with the state’s total since January rising to 1,276. One new death was confirmed, bringing the toll to 18. Most of the deceased had comorbidities, according to the state health department.

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Haryana recorded 31 new cases, with 20 from Gurugram and Faridabad districts, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials. Gurugram reported nine cases, while Faridabad recorded 11 cases. Other districts included Karnal and Jhajjar with three cases each, Panipat with two cases, and Yamunanagar, Hisar, and Panchkula with one case each.

The state reported 87 active cases on Friday, with a total of 151 cumulative positive cases. Only two patients are currently admitted to health facilities.

Haryana health minister Arti Singh Rao urged people and healthcare officials to remain vigilant. "Timely action and strict adherence to preventive measures can significantly curb the spread of the virus," she said. "There is no need to panic."

Odisha has also appealed to people with COVID-19 symptoms to stay away from the Puri Rath Yatra in person and view the festival on television at home. Health authorities stressed the adherence to respiratory etiquette and common health practices.

Uttarakhand has been recording an increase in COVID-19 cases, and the number of patients has risen to 30. The state government keeps a close eye on the issue, particularly with regard to the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, and has taken measures accordingly to avoid further transmission.

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The NB.1.8.1 strain, a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, has been found to be a leading cause of the recent upsurge. Although the majority of infections are still mild, doctors caution that increasing numbers have the potential to affect the elderly and immunocompromised more seriously.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to track the antigenic and genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants. In its last statement, the WHO highlighted the significance of modifying COVID-19 vaccine compositions to correspond to circulating variants, like the JN.1 lineage.

In addition, the WHO recommends that manufacturers and regulatory agencies on the bearings for future revisions of COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition to keep vaccines effective against new variants.

Common symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant include sore throat, cough, fever, muscle pain, and nasal congestion. Some patients have also reported nausea and diarrhoea.

Experts stress that vaccines remain crucial. While NB.1.8.1 may partially evade immunity, current vaccines still help reduce severe illness and hospitalisation.

“There is no evidence that the new strain is more severe or deadly,” said public health officials. However, they advise testing, masking, and distancing if symptoms occur."

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