Covid is like the flu, don’t panic: Delhi Health Minister as cases rise to 104

According to the state dashboard, 24 patients have recovered or been discharged.

Singh said, “I would like to reiterate that people need not panic because of the rise in Covid numbers. The variant that is being seen in cases is just like the flu. As a precautionary measure, we have directed government hospitals to ensure all arrangements are in place. Delhi is 200% ready to tackle any surge.”

According to the central Covid-19 dashboard, there are 1,009 active cases across the country. Delhi has the highest number of cases after Kerala (430) and Maharashtra (209). This comes after a spike in cases was reported in Asian countries. According to reports, the spread of Omicron-related variants has led to the latest rise.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said not every case requires testing. “If we look at other viral cases, 104 in a week is a minuscule number. But because the numbers are rising, we have to be watchful…,” he said.

According to Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Covid cases in India are rising due to a combination of waning immunity, relaxed public behaviour, and the emergence of new variants with higher transmissibility.

“Many people have resumed pre-pandemic routines such as large gatherings, travel, and not wearing masks, especially in urban areas. Additionally, the immunity from earlier infections and vaccines administered over a year ago is decreasing, making people more susceptible. Change in weather and air quality can also influence respiratory infections, contributing to the surge. Limited testing may be underestimating actual cases, allowing community spread to go unnoticed until hospitalisation numbers begin to rise,” he said.

Last Friday, Singh said 23 cases were reported from private labs, adding that hospitals are prepared to tackle any surge in cases. “We have had a conversation with medical superintendents regarding preparations. Eight of our senior officials are visiting hospitals daily. Our hospitals are prepared with oxygen and oximeters,” he had said.

The Delhi health department issued an order last week to all government and private hospitals to ensure adequate beds, supply of oxygen, antibiotics, and other drugs and vaccines. According to the health department, hospitals have been told to ensure that equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP machines, and oxygen concentrators are functional.

“Refresher training of dedicated staff may be conducted. Report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities (OPD/IPD) daily on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Confirmed influenza and Covid cases may also be reported on IHIP,” the advisory added.

The order, issued by the special secretary, instructed daily reporting of all parameters on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal, and adequate testing as per Covid-19 testing guidelines.

“Ensure Covid-19 testing of 5% ILI cases & 100% SARI cases… Send all positive Covid-19 samples for whole genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital to enable timely detection of new variants, if any,” said the advisory.