With a steady rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, the Union Health Ministry has advised several states and union territories, including Delhi, to implement preventive public health measures. As of May 28, India reported 1,621 active Covid cases, with Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka accounting for over 90% of the total.
In a letter dated May 29, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, triggered by multiple pathogens including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). “A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) due to SARS-CoV-2 is being observed in some regions,” the letter stated.
Srivastava noted that most infections remain mild, driven by the current Omicron variants – JN.1, XFG, and LF.7.9 – which primarily cause fever, cough, and sore throat, with symptoms generally resolving without medical intervention.
States and UTs have been directed to evaluate hospital preparedness at all levels — district, sub-district, and tertiary care — including medical colleges and inpatient healthcare facilities. The ministry stressed ensuring availability of:
- Diagnostics
- Essential medicines
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Isolation facilities
- Oxygen supply
- Critical care beds and ventilator-supported beds
Mock drills must be conducted to assess oxygen infrastructure readiness, and an action taken report is to be submitted by June 2.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of adhering to testing protocols, including:
- Testing all SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) cases.
- Testing 5% of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) cases.
- Sending SARI-positive samples to regional VRDLs for whole genome sequencing.
District Surveillance Units have been instructed to:
- Monitor ILI/SARI trends
- Track the proportion of SARI cases
- Ensure consistent data entry on the relevant portals
In addition, the ministry called for continued public health education, emphasizing:
- Proper hand and respiratory hygiene
- Cough etiquette
- Avoiding spitting in public
The advisory also urged vulnerable populations—including the elderly and immunocompromised—to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated areas or wear face masks in such environments.
