A new surge in COVID-19 cases is being reported across Uttar Pradesh, with 42 active infections confirmed as of Tuesday evening. Health authorities have raised concerns as the State also recorded a fatality in Agra, involving a 78-year-old man who tested positive while undergoing treatment for multiple pre-existing conditions.
The deceased, Musafir Ram from Firozabad, had been admitted to a private hospital in Sikandra on May 24 for a hip surgery. He had been suffering from persistent fever and respiratory issues for over two weeks. A COVID-19 test conducted by a private lab on May 26 returned positive, and he was subsequently referred to SN Medical College. However, he passed away early Tuesday morning, prior to undergoing COVID-19 testing at the government facility. College Principal Dr Prashant Gupta confirmed the patient had a brain clot and chronic lung disease, and added that private lab results are not officially recognised in their COVID-19 reporting.
Reports say a 40-year-old patient, also from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, who was referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chandigarh’s Sector 32 from Ludhiana after he tested positive for COVID-19, died early on Wednesday. This is not clear whether this person had travelled to UP recently or the two deaths have any link.
The rise in infections comes at a critical time, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public rally in Kanpur on May 30. District officials have ramped up safety measures, ordering mandatory COVID-19 testing for individuals who will be in close proximity to the Prime Minister’s stage area, designated as the “D zone.” Health departments remain on high alert to prevent any possible outbreak during the high-profile gathering.
In Noida, the number of active cases has now reached 19, with 11 new infections reported in the last 24 hours. All affected individuals are currently in home isolation. Ghaziabad recorded two fresh cases, including a four-month-old infant who has been hospitalised, raising the district’s total to 14 active cases. Varanasi also reported two new COVID-19 infections, both linked to the Microbiology Department of IMS BHU—a resident doctor and a lab technician. Health officials confirmed that one of them is infected with the NB.1.8.1 variant, marking the first such case in the city. Both individuals are under home isolation, and authorities have urged increased caution.
In Lucknow, a 60-year-old resident of Ashiyana tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from the Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. He began experiencing symptoms on May 8 and was hospitalized in Haridwar after facing breathing difficulties. Later, he was shifted to SGPGI, where he was placed on oxygen support and tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing confirmed that his family members were not infected. While the recent uptick is not considered alarming, state health officials are emphasising vigilance. Dr RP Singh Suman said that although there is no immediate cause for panic regarding the JN.1 sub-variant, precautions must be taken. A COVID-19 alert has been issued across all 75 districts, with testing and treatment infrastructure in place should the situation escalate.
Citizens have been advised to follow COVID-19 appropriate behavior and report any symptoms promptly for testing and care.