Remember when we thought COVID-19 was behind us? Well, it seems the virus has other plans. You have noticed more people around you getting sick or hearing whispers about rising cases. India is currently witnessing a fresh surge in coronavirus infections, which is catching many of us off guard.
Just last week, many of us were going about our daily lives without much worry about COVID-19. But the numbers tell a different story. From over a thousand cases on May 26, India now has nearly 3,000 active coronavirus cases as of May 30. That’s almost 3 times more infections in just four days, a pace that’s making health officials sit up and take notice.
Kerala Is The Worst Hit State
You might be wondering, “How bad is it where I live?” The answer depends on which part of India you are in. If you are in Kerala, you are in the state facing the biggest challenge right now, with 1,147 recorded cases. Kerala is leading this unwanted race. Families there are already taking extra precautions, and many are dusting off their masks again.
Maharashtra is dealing with 424 cases, while Delhi is seeing 294 cases. Gujarat is not far behind with 223 cases reported. The situation varies dramatically, but the good news is that if you are in places like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, or Himachal Pradesh, there are currently no active cases in your area.
What Might Concern You?
Here is something that might concern you, and rightfully so. At least seven people have lost their lives in recent weeks across our country. But before you start worrying too much, let’s look at the facts. Of the 2 that occurred in Maharashtra and Delhi, these individuals were battling other serious health conditions along with COVID-19. Health officials are still trying to determine if the virus was a direct cause of death in those cases.
What is particularly important to note is that most of the people who died were elderly, except for one case in Punjab. This tells us that senior family members, grandparents, and other relatives need extra precaution and attention right now.
What Do Experts Say?
Before you start talking about masks and sanitisers in panic, here is what the experts are saying: don’t panic, but stay alert. Dr. Rajeev Bahl from the Indian Council of Medical Research says,
“The public need not worry about the new variant of COVID-19. We just need to be vigilant. The government and all agencies are watching what is unfolding.”
The reassuring news is that most current cases are mild. People are recovering at home without needing hospital care. However, if you or someone in your family has cancer or an immunity problem, it’s time to take extra care and avoid this situation.
The Virus Variants
You might be curious about what variant is making people sick with COVID-19. The most common one circulating in India right now is JN.1, which accounts for about half of all tested samples. There is also BA.2 and other Omicron sublineages doing the rounds.
Scientists have also spotted some new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, but the World Health Organization considers these variants to be of concern rather than major threats. These same variants are causing increases in China and other parts of Asia.
So, what do you have to do? The key is finding balance. You don’t need to lock yourself inside and avoid all social activities, but bringing back some basic precautions makes sense.
Keep hand sanitisers handy, carry a mask for crowded places, and if you are caring for elderly family members, consider being extra cautious around them. Most importantly, stay informed, but don’t let fear take over your family.
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