Delhi Govt Issues Covid-19 Advisory as Global Cases Rise; Hospitals Asked to Stay Alert
New Delhi | May 23, 2025 — In response to a modest rise in Covid-19 cases both domestically and internationally, the Delhi government on Friday issued a health advisory, directing all city hospitals to ensure preparedness for a potential surge in infections. The advisory comes amid rising case counts in China, Thailand, and Singapore, sparking renewed caution among Indian authorities.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that the capital recorded 23 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Officials are currently verifying whether these patients are local residents or have recent travel histories to affected regions.
“Hospitals must be equipped with beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other essential medicines, and vaccines. All equipment — ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA plants — must be fully functional,” said the advisory.
Genome Sequencing, Data Reporting Made Mandatory
The Delhi Health Department has also mandated that all positive Covid-19 samples be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing, to identify any potential new variants of concern. The step is part of broader surveillance efforts to track virus mutations.
Moreover, daily reporting of Covid-19 metrics — including cases, bed occupancy, oxygen usage, and vaccine administration — must be updated on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal, the advisory added.
India’s Covid Snapshot: Infections Mild, Situation Under Control
According to the Union Health Ministry, India reported 257 new Covid-19 cases nationwide on Wednesday, May 22, most of which were mild and required no hospitalisation.
Breakdown by state:
- Maharashtra: 56 cases
- Tamil Nadu: 66 cases
- Delhi: 23 cases
- Kerala: 273 cases in May
- Haryana: 4 mild cases on Friday
- Other states with reported infections include Puducherry, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Karnataka, and West Bengal
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George highlighted that the southern state saw the highest case load in Kottayam (82) this month, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (73), Ernakulam (49), Pathanamthitta (30), and Thrissur (26).
No Cause for Panic: Health Experts, Govt Say
Despite the reported cases, health experts have reiterated that there is no cause for alarm at this stage. A high-level review meeting held on May 19 by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief division, ICMR, and central government hospitals concluded that the Covid-19 situation remains under control.
“As of May 19, 2025, India has 257 active Covid-19 cases. Almost all are mild and do not require hospitalisation,” a health ministry official told PTI.
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao echoed similar sentiments, stating that the state is monitoring the situation closely, and the few reported cases are under home observation with medical supervision.
Global Context: Rising Cases in Asia Fuel Precautions
The Delhi advisory comes amid a noticeable increase in Covid-19 cases in Asian countries. Health authorities in China, Thailand, and Singapore have recently reported spikes, prompting Indian officials to heighten surveillance and test preparedness ahead of any potential domestic escalation.
Experts suggest the new wave of infections in these countries may be driven by seasonal factors, increased international travel, and the emergence of sub-lineages of known variants. While India has not yet reported any significant variant-driven surge, genomic sequencing is being intensified to preempt any surprises.
Vaccines and Public Guidance
Authorities have urged citizens to stay alert but not panic. The availability of vaccines, especially booster doses, is being reviewed across Delhi hospitals. Citizens — particularly senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals — are advised to follow Covid-appropriate behavior, including masking in crowded places, hand hygiene, and seeking medical attention at early signs of illness.
What’s Next?
While the current infection rate is low and manageable, public health experts and government bodies are on alert mode. Regular advisories, genome surveillance, and hospital preparedness are expected to continue over the coming weeks.
The Delhi government has emphasized that proactive vigilance today can help avoid disruption tomorrow.
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