New Delhi: India is witnessing a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases, with 864 new infections reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total active caseload to 4,302.
While most cases are mild and managed under home care, the spike has prompted the Union Health Ministry to step up surveillance and preparedness across States and Union Territories.
Since January 1, 44 deaths have been reported—primarily among individuals with comorbidities—highlighting the continued risk for vulnerable populations.
Health authorities are closely tracking Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases. All SARI patients and a sample of ILI cases are being tested, with positive samples undergoing genome sequencing to detect emerging variants.
To bolster readiness, nationwide mock drills assessing oxygen infrastructure and hospital capacity were conducted on June 2, with more planned for June 4 and 5.
Officials have urged the public to maintain hand hygiene, wear masks when symptomatic, and avoid crowded spaces. They also advised relying only on official channels such as the MoHFW website and PIB for accurate updates.
The Union Health Ministry reiterated its commitment to closely monitor the evolving situation and take timely action to safeguard public health.
