The Cente is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation domestically in response to a recent surge in infections reported in Singapore and Hong Kong.
As reported, most COVID-19 cases in India remain mild, with no unusual increase in severity or mortality. Nonetheless, the Health Ministry remains vigilant and has taken proactive steps to ensure public health safety.
A high-level review meeting was convened to assess the evolving situation. The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division of the Disaster Management Cell, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and representatives from central government hospitals.
According to the latest data, Kerala has reported the highest number of recent infections with 69 new cases since May 12, followed by Maharashtra with 44 and Tamil Nadu with 34. Other states reporting new cases include Karnataka (8), Gujarat (6), Delhi (3), and one case each in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.
Mumbai reported two COVID-related deaths at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in recent days.
Internationally, Singapore has seen weekly infections rise sharply from 11,100 in late April to 14,200 in the first week of May – a 28 per cent increase. Meanwhile, Hong Kong recorded its highest weekly COVID-related death toll in a year, with 31 fatalities in the first week of May. New infections in Hong Kong also spiked to 1,042 from 972 the previous week, up from just 33 weekly cases in early March.
In response to these developments, Indian health authorities have reviewed the country’s preparedness and reaffirmed that the domestic situation remains under control.
