Covid cases rise in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Gurgaon; hospitals on alert

COVID-19 cases are witnessing a gradual uptick across major Indian cities, with Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru reporting new infections after months of relative calm. While authorities stress there's no cause for panic, hospitals have been put on alert and safety advisories have been reissued.

Covid in Delhi
Delhi has reported 23 new COVID-19 cases—the first notable spike in nearly three years. Health Minister Pankaj Singh said all patients are stable with mild, flu-like symptoms. He added that a special monitoring team has been formed and all hospitals have been asked to ensure bed, oxygen, and medicine availability.

Hospitals are also required to report daily COVID-19 data and send positive samples for genome sequencing.

Covid in Mumbai
Mumbai has recorded 95 COVID-19 cases so far in May, a steep rise compared to Maharashtra’s total of 106 since January. At least 16 patients have been hospitalised, and transfers from KEM to Seven Hills Hospital are underway to control the spread. Authorities have mandated testing for all SARI and ILI cases.

Covid in Bengaluru
In Karnataka, 32 of the 35 active cases are from Bengaluru. A nine-month-old baby has tested positive and is being treated at Vani Vilas Hospital. Health officials say cases have been rising steadily over the past 20 days and are urging the public to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, especially high-risk groups.

Covid in Gurgaon
Haryana has reported four new Covid-19 cases, with two each in Gurgaon and Faridabad, all involving patients with no recent international travel history. The state's health minister, Arti Singh Rao, said the health department is monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety and preparedness.

All four patients — two men and two women — have mild symptoms and are under home quarantine with regular medical supervision. The minister added that there is no cause for panic at this time.

No need to panic—but stay cautious
Doctors across cities say the current variant, likely a sub-variant of JN.1, is highly transmissible but causes mostly mild symptoms. Still, they recommend mask-wearing in crowded places, maintaining hygiene, and staying up to date with booster vaccinations.

With sporadic surges being seen across Gujarat, Kerala, Haryana and now major metros, the health departments are ramping up surveillance and readiness.

With inputs from PTI