On Thursday there was a sudden hike in Covid cases in India compared to the previous day and the number of cases registered is 10,158. According to the Health Ministry data, the active cases stand at 44,998. There is a surge in Covid cases where Maharashtra and Delhi are recording over 1000 cases daily and it is the first time this year on Wednesday.
According to the data disclosed by the Union Health Ministry, on Wednesday 7,830 new coronavirus cases were recorded in India and we can see a sudden spike as on Tuesday the recorded cases were 5,675.
Amid the sharp rise in Covid cases, The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-Delhi has cautioned their staff to follow Covid-19 protocols after a few of them tested positive for the infection. The AIIMS management issued an advisory on Thursday that stated people must use reusable face covers/surgical masks in the workplace and ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitation of the workplace, particularly of frequently touched surfaces.
Arcturus: Covid variant behind the surge
A new Covid variant named Arcturus, XBB.1.16 is considered to be the reason behind the stated surge in cases in many countries including US, Singapore, and Australia, among others. The WHO declared this “variant under monitoring” in late March saying it to be the most transmissible variant among others.
According to a daily bulletin issued by the Delhi Health Department on Wednesday, our National capital Delhi has recorded 1,149 new coronavirus cases which is a high jump as on Tuesday it recorded 980 cases.
According to the Delhi Health Department, though one death was reported in Delhi, the primary cause of it was not Covid whereas the positivity rate stands at 23.8 percent.
To check the preparedness of the public and private health facilities mock drills were conducted nationwide for the emergency Covid-19 situation. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was personally present to monitor the drill at some places.
Reasons behind the surge in India
A high number of Coronavirus cases are recorded from a total of eight Indian states including Maharashtra and Delhi. According to the Indian Medical Association, the reasons for this surge is stated to be the relaxation of Covid-19 appropriate behavior, the low testing rate, and the emergence of a new variant of coronavirus infection.
According to the PTI, there may be a rise in cases in the next 10-12 days but will gradually slow down stating that the disease is heading toward an endemic stage.