Hyderabad: India’s fight against Covid-19 took a worrying turn on Sunday as active cases crossed the 6,000 mark, triggering fresh concerns among health authorities and prompting states to ramp up preparedness measures. According to the Union Health Ministry, 769 new cases were reported over the past 48 hours, while six more deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.
Kerala continued to top the charts with the highest number of active cases at 1,950, followed by Gujarat with 822, West Bengal with 693, Maharashtra with 595, and Karnataka with 366. The recent deaths included three in Kerala, two in Karnataka, and one in Tamil Nadu, raising alarms about the virus’s steady spread.
Union Health officials are leaving nothing to chance. The Centre has directed all states to keep oxygen cylinders, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines readily available in hospitals. Mock drills are also being conducted to test medical staff readiness, given the renewed threat of a fresh wave.
In Andhra Pradesh, the health department has set up dedicated Covid wards and screening centres across all government hospitals. Officials have also intensified testing, making it mandatory for anyone presenting with fever, cough, or cold symptoms to undergo Covid-19 testing. “We have already activated our special units. We are prepared for any surge,” a senior health official said.
Telangana, meanwhile, has so far managed to keep the virus largely in check, with only 10 active cases reported. Health authorities here, however, are taking no chances. “We are fully prepared to tackle any rise in cases,” an official said, adding that oxygen supplies, beds, and other key resources have been kept on standby. Detailed guidelines have already been dispatched to all districts to ensure hospitals remain on high alert.
While doctors have urged the public not to panic, they have advised caution. “There is no need to worry at this point, but everyone should remain vigilant,” said a senior medical professional, emphasising the importance of maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour.
The recent spike in cases has reignited memories of the devastating waves that crippled the country’s healthcare system in the past. Though the current numbers remain manageable, the steady rise is a stark reminder that the pandemic threat is far from over.
