Delhi recorded two more COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, including a five-month-old baby. As per the Covid dashboard, the deceased include a baby boy with cerebral palsy who was suffering from seizure disorder, pneumonia with sepsis and respiratory failure and an 87-year-old man with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, severe ARDS, COVID pneumonia, sepsis with septic shock, and acute kidney infection. With this, Delhi has reported a total of seven deaths amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Sources said at least 28 patients are currently admitted in hospitals across Delhi, and on average, 1,200 RT-PCR tests are being conducted per day across hospitals in the national capital. Delhi currently has 562 active COVID-19 cases, out of which 105 were added on Wednesday. The deaths have been registered amid a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases. The number of active cases in the country passed the 4,800-mark on Thursday, with Delhi reporting the third-highest number of active cases (562) after Kerala (1,487) and Maharashtra (526). The latest surge in coronavirus cases in India and other Southeast Asian countries has been linked to the spread of Omicron-related variants. The spread of sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant (LF.7 and NB1.8) has been confirmed by health authorities in some countries. JN.1 is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as the ‘Pirola’ strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. The strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible, as per experts. But so far, its symptoms do not differ much from those associated with the Omicron variant. According to Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, both patients had comorbidities which resulted in fatality. He said it is pertinent to wear masks now that cases are being reported. “Use well-fitting masks, especially in crowded areas or public transportation, maintain social distance and keep at least 6 feet of distance from others to reduce transmission risk. Frequently wash hands with soap and water, and use hand sanitizers. Avoid public places if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath,” he said. Dr Chatterjee also advised that people experiencing COVID-like symptoms undergo tests to confirm diagnosis and receive timely treatment. “Identify and test individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed cases. Severe cases can lead to respiratory issues, such as pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chest pain or pressure can be a sign of severe COVID-19, especially in older adults or those with underlying conditions,” he added. So far, he said, no government guidelines have been issued on any new vaccination.
