&w=3840&q=100)
India reports 358 fresh Covid-19 cases, Kerala remains worst affected
Gujarat reported 908 active Covid-19 cases, with a single-day spike of 158, the highest among states
New Delhi
India's active Covid-19 case tally rose to 6,491 with 358 fresh cases reported in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released on Sunday. No deaths were reported during the same period.
The latest surge is attributed to new variants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the recently identified NB.1.8.1 subvariant, which have triggered a gradual increase in infections across several states.
Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi see rise in cases
Gujarat recorded the sharpest single-day increase, with 158 new cases, followed by Delhi with 42. Kerala remains the worst-hit state in terms of overall active cases.
Experts advise targeted protection, not mass boosters
Experts point to India's widespread hybrid immunity—resulting from past infections and previous vaccination drives—as a key reason for ruling out the need for additional doses for the general public at this stage.
They recommend continued adherence to preventive behaviour, including mask-wearing, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding crowded places.
Centre issues advisory to states, urges caution
In light of the uptick in cases, the central government has issued advisories to all states and union territories, urging readiness to handle localised outbreaks and ensure availability of medical supplies.
Public health officials have stressed the importance of distinguishing Covid-19 from seasonal viral fevers, which often present similar symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Vulnerable individuals have been advised to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear or worsen. The Indian Medical Association continues to advocate for the consistent practice of mask-wearing and hand hygiene to contain the spread of infections.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Death of 74-year-old takes Covid toll to 3
Kolkata: The city reported another Covid-related death on Tuesday. A 74-year-old man with multiple comorbidities died at Woodlands Hospital, a day after he tested positive for the virus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is the third known Covid-related death in the state this year though the health department is yet to link the last two deaths with Covid. According to sources, the Andul resident was admitted to a Howrah hospital about two weeks ago with complaints of UTI and inflammation in the urinary bladder. After undergoing treatment at the hospital, he was discharged and was at home for about 10 days. On Monday evening, the deceased's family rushed him to the Alipore hospital with complaints of acute respiratory problems, and he was already on high-flow nasal cannula at the time of admission. Doctors found that the senior citizen had pneumonia. His swab sample tested positive for Covid-19. He died on Tuesday. Sources in the hospital said that he was also suffering from hypertension and Parkinson's Disease. At present, the hospital has two more Covid patients — both senior citizens. Two Covid patients are currently admitted at the Alipore hospital — an 85-year-old man from Sarat Bose Road and a 65-year-old man from Maheshtala.
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Health minister emphasizes need for vigilance as Covid-19 cases rise among elderly and vulnerable in Kerala
T'puram: Health minister Veena George emphasised the need for special attention as Covid-19 becomes severe among the elderly and those with other underlying conditions. Masks should be worn in public and during travel, she added. At present, there are 2,223 active cases in the state, with 96 people under treatment, most of whom have other illnesses. Ernakulam district reported 431 cases, Kottayam 426 cases, and Thiruvananthapuram 365 cases. All hospitals have been instructed to conduct Covid-19 tests for symptomatic individuals and instructions were given to ensure oxygen availability, the minister said. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify Covid-19 variants. The Omicron JN1 variants LF7 and XFG, prevalent in South-East Asian countries, are mostly found in Kerala. Although these variants are not highly severe, they have a high transmission rate, George said. The state-level rapid response team (RRT) met on Tuesday to assess the situation. The meeting observed that patients should not be unnecessarily referred to private hospitals due to Covid-19. Unnecessary visits to hospitals should be avoided. Individuals with symptoms like cold, sore throat, cough and breathing difficulties must wear masks. Masks are mandatory in hospitals. Hands should be cleaned regularly with soap or sanitiser. With intermittent rains continuing, there is a possibility of an increase in dengue, leptospirosis, and waterborne diseases in the state, so caution is necessary. Continuous vigilance is required against leptospirosis. Anyone who came into contact with contaminated water should take the leptospirosis preventive pill doxycycline as per the health workers' instructions. Special attention should be given to those involved in rescue operations.
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
No Covid death in TN so far, says health minister
Pudukottai: No Covid-related deaths have been reported in the state so far, and there is no need to panic, however, people with comorbidities, pregnant women, individuals with low immunity, and the elderly should wear masks, minister for health and family welfare, Ma Subramaniam, said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters in Pudukottai, the minister said, "As far as Covid-19 is concerned, based on the 19 samples collected in Tamil Nadu, the virus belongs to the low-severity Omicron variant. So there is no need for alarm." Dismissing concerns about a shortage of medical staff in govt facilities, the minister said that the number of people receiving treatment in govt hospitals has grown multifold due to enhanced medical infrastructure and improved healthcare services in Tamil Nadu. "In the last four years, 29,771 medical personnel have been appointed through TNPSC, MRB, and NHM. Additionally, to address upcoming vacancies in govt primary health centres in 2026, as many as 2,642 doctors have been appointed. Therefore, as far as govt primary health centres are concerned, there is currently a surplus of doctors," he added. Earlier in the day, the minister, along with ministers Siva Meyyanathan and S Regupathy, laid foundation stones for new medical infrastructure. A total of 21 new medical buildings that were built at a cost of 7.62 crore were inaugurated, and the foundation stone was laid for 11 more medical building projects estimated at 9.8 crore.
