Delhi has reported two additional COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities in the capital to three since January, according to the Union Health Ministry’s dashboard.
The deceased include a 60-year-old woman who had undergone abdominal surgery for acute intestinal obstruction and a 71-year-old man suffering from pneumonia, septic shock, and acute kidney injury. Both individuals tested positive for COVID-19, though their deaths were primarily attributed to existing health conditions.
As of May 31, Delhi has 375 active COVID-19 cases, with 81 new cases reported since Friday. This uptick aligns with a nationwide increase in cases, largely driven by Omicron sub-variants, particularly the JN.1 lineage and its sub-lineages LF.7 and NB1.8. These variants, descendants of the BA.2.86 ‘Pirola’ strain, are noted for their heightened transmissibility and ability to evade existing immunity, though they have not been linked to increased severity of illness.
Health authorities emphasise that most new cases are mild and manageable at home. They advise individuals to wear masks in crowded places and to isolate themselves at home if experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or fever.
According to guidelines from the 2023 AIIMS/ICMR-COVID-19 National Task Force, mild cases should be managed with rest, hydration and symptom-relief medications, without the use of antibiotics unless a bacterial infection is evident.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed concerns on Thursday, stating that 19 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized in Delhi. She reassured the public that the situation is under control and there is no need for alarm. The Delhi Government has been actively monitoring the situation and is taking steps to ensure hospitals remain well-prepared to handle any rise in cases.
On May 23, the government issued an advisory to hospitals across the capital, instructing them to bolster preparedness.
This included ensuring sufficient availability of hospital beds, oxygen supplies, antibiotics, essential drugs and vaccines. Additionally, all critical medical equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators and PSA devices must be fully operational at all times.
Medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen, particularly if oxygen saturation drops to 93 per cent or lower, or if there is difficulty breathing, high fever, or a persistent severe cough.
The recent surge in cases follows a similar trend observed in other Asian countries, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.