After the detection of COVID-19 cases in few southern and western states, the Union Health Secretary was learned to have reviewed the situation of infections on Saturday, May 24, sources told Zee Business. The official was joined by top officials from the Department of Health Research (DHR), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the sources said.

According to official sources in the health ministry, most cases were mild and under home care. There is a robust pan-India system for surveillance of respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR’s nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network. 

Earlier this week, reports of a rise in infections in Singapore and Hong Kong fuelled growing concerns about a reemergence of cases in other parts of Asia. However, official sources said that the Indian government was monitoring the situation continuously and closely, and it was under control. 

Sources said that it is ascertained from the respective National IHR focal points that there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to the previously circulating variants.

The Union Health Ministry continues to be vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely, added the sources. 

The latest news comes on the heels of the Delhi government issuing a COVID advisory, directing hospitals to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines and vaccines.

The World Heath Organisation declared the end of the pandemic in May 2023, but infections keep recurring in small numbers globally from time to time.