India is witnessing a concerning resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with several states issuing fresh advisories to curb the spread. As of May 19, the country has recorded 257 active cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The sudden uptick has prompted both central and state authorities to step up containment efforts amid fears of a broader outbreak.
Kerala at the Epicentre
Kerala remains the worst-affected state, accounting for the majority of current cases. Of the 257 active infections, 182 are from Kerala alone. The state has also reported two COVID-related deaths in May, raising concerns among public health officials. In response, the Kerala government has reintroduced precautionary measures in healthcare facilities. An official advisory mandates the use of face masks in hospitals and recommends that non-essential visits be avoided. The advisory also emphasizes frequent handwashing and personal hygiene.
“Healthcare workers must wear masks at all times, and the general public is urged to avoid unnecessary hospital visits unless absolutely essential,” the statement added.
Other Hotspots: Maharashtra and Delhi
Maharashtra is the second most affected state, reporting 95 new cases, with Mumbai accounting for the bulk of infections. Although hospitalisation rates remain low, authorities are not taking any chances. Medical institutions have been alerted to review their readiness in terms of bed availability, oxygen supplies, and emergency stocks.
In the national capital, Delhi, 23 new cases have emerged. The state government has directed all hospitals to ramp up testing and preparedness. As a preventive step, all COVID-positive samples are now being sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing to identify possible variants.
Rising Cases in South India
Karnataka has also seen a gradual rise, with 35 active cases as of the latest update. Alarmingly, a nine-month-old infant in Bengaluru tested positive, underlining the need for vigilance across age groups. Officials have called on the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women to adhere strictly to COVID-appropriate behaviour, such as masking in crowded places and hand hygiene.
Andhra Pradesh has recorded four new cases—three in Visakhapatnam and one in Kadapa. The state’s Health Minister, Satya Kumar Yadav, assured that the situation is under control and that local health teams are well-equipped to handle any escalation.
Uttar Pradesh on Alert
Uttar Pradesh reported four cases from Ghaziabad, with one patient undergoing treatment at a private hospital. The remaining three are in home isolation. Local authorities have intensified contact tracing and sanitisation efforts to prevent further spread.
Advisories and Warnings
Across states, the message remains consistent: avoid complacency. While the number of cases remains relatively low, health experts warn that delayed response could lead to an exponential rise. Citizens are advised to follow basic protocols—wear masks in crowded areas, practice hand hygiene, and avoid unnecessary social gatherings.
As India navigates this new wave, vigilance and early action remain the cornerstones of preventing another large-scale outbreak.
REPUBLIC.
