Current Covid-19 Situation in India
New Delhi: The latest wave of Covid-19 has seen the total number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in India rise to 2,170, with 511 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, as per the Health Ministry's update on Saturday. In a positive development, 255 patients have either recovered or migrated during the same period, reflecting an improvement in recovery rates.
Since January 1, 2025, the total number of deaths across various states has reached 22.
Kerala remains the most affected state with 1,147 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 424, Delhi with 294, and Gujarat with 223.
Maharashtra has reported the highest fatalities, totaling 7, while Kerala has recorded 5 deaths, and Delhi has seen 2.
The cumulative recovery count since the beginning of the year stands at 1,170, with Kerala (72), Delhi (77), and Maharashtra (34) leading in recoveries for the day.
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the recent surge in cases is attributed to the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants, which are descendants of the JN.1 variant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to classify LF.7 or NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs).
While these variants may have some ability to evade immunity, there is no current evidence indicating they lead to severe long-term infections.
Common symptoms linked to these variants include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, and exhaustion.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm as the infections are not severe.
He emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation and urged the public to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential increase in cases.
In response to the situation, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued directives to hospitals in the capital to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines.
She reassured that the government is actively tracking Covid cases and stated that "there is no panic situation."
