Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), May 24: In the backdrop of a minor uptick in COVID-19 cases across India, AIIMS Rishikesh has confirmed three new cases at its facility, including a visiting pilgrim and a hospital resident. The update comes as part of nationwide alerts urging preparedness, though health experts maintain there is no cause for alarm.
AIIMS Rishikesh Director Dr. Meenu Singh, speaking to ANI, shared that of the three reported cases, one patient has already been discharged. “One patient is a resident doctor under isolation. Another is a pilgrim from Gujarat who had come for the Badrinath Yatra,” she said.
Dr. Singh stressed that while the new variant of the virus is relatively mild, vigilance remains crucial. “This variant is not very harmful, but people with comorbidities should get checked if symptomatic. We’ve re-implemented COVID-appropriate behaviour in the institute as a precaution,” she added.
Uttarakhand authorities have issued alerts to healthcare institutions to remain vigilant, especially in light of the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, which draws lakhs of pilgrims annually.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, the state government has issued an advisory for hospitals to ensure readiness in terms of bed availability, oxygen, essential medications, and vaccine stocks.
Experts have reinforced that the situation is well under control. Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said on Friday, “There are only sporadic and mild cases. Most don’t require hospitalisation. This is more akin to a seasonal flu at this stage.”
He further cautioned against unnecessary panic, emphasizing that no ICU admissions or serious complications have been recorded recently.
As of May 19, India’s active COVID-19 case count stands at just 257, a marginal figure considering the population size. The majority of cases are mild and managed without hospitalisation.
India continues to monitor respiratory viral infections through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), ensuring rapid response and containment capabilities remain in place.