NEW DELHI — As India’s active Covid-19 cases crossed the 5,000 mark, states and the Union government have escalated preventive measures, including mock drills, health advisories, and renewed focus on testing and preparedness, amid concerns of a fresh spike in infections.
Nationwide Snapshot (as of Friday):
- Total Active Cases: 5,364
- New Cases in 24 Hours: 498
- New Deaths in 24 Hours: 4
State-wise Breakdown:
Kerala
- New Cases: 192 (highest in India)
- Continues to be the most-affected state in this wave.
Gujarat
- New Cases: 107
- Rising trend prompting hospital preparedness.
West Bengal
- New Cases: 58
- Active Cases: 596
- Recoveries: 91
- Officials urge mask usage and basic Covid protocol adherence.
Delhi
- New Cases: 30
- Active Cases: 592
- Deaths Since Jan 1: 7 (none in last 24 hours)
- Government reactivates response teams.
Maharashtra
- New Cases: 114
- Total Cases This Year: 1,276
- Deaths: 18 (17 had comorbidities)
- Health infrastructure being re-checked for readiness.
Haryana
- New Cases: 31
- Districts Affected: Gurugram (9), Faridabad (11), Karnal, Jhajjar, Panipat, Yamunanagar, Hisar, Panchkula
- Active Cases: 87
- Hospitalised: 2
- Health Minister Arti Singh Rao: “Remain vigilant but don’t panic.”
Odisha
- New Cases: 7
- Total Cases in Current Wave: 30
- Active Cases: 23
- Precautionary advisory for Rath Yatra visitors: symptomatic individuals advised to stay home and watch the festival remotely.
- Schools reopening on June 20 may see mask mandates and isolation rules for symptomatic students.
Centre’s Response:
The Union Health Ministry has directed all states to:
- Ensure oxygen supply, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines
- Conduct mock drills to test infrastructure
- Increase testing, especially for symptomatic and hospitalised patients
Key Message:
Officials across states stressed no need for panic, but urged the public to:
- Wear masks in crowded places
- Isolate when symptomatic
- Follow hygiene protocols
- Stay informed about local advisories
The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to issue updated advisories, especially as festivals, school reopenings, and monsoon gatherings approach.