AIIMS Rishikesh has reported three COVID-19 cases, contributing to the recent uptick in cases seen across India. While health authorities are on alert, experts and hospital officials have reassured the public that the current situation remains under control, with most cases presenting mild symptoms.
Speaking with ANI, AIIMS Rishikesh Director Dr. Meenu Singh confirmed the details of the cases. “Three COVID patients have been reported in AIIMS. One has been discharged, another patient is one of our residents who has been kept in isolation, and the third patient is from Gujarat who came here for the Badrinath Yatra,” Dr. Singh said.
She further clarified that the current COVID variant does not appear to be severe but emphasized the need for caution, particularly among vulnerable groups. “The state has kept us on alert. We have implemented COVID-appropriate behaviour in our institute. This variant is not very harmful, but if someone has any comorbidities, then they should get themselves checked,” she added.
In light of the recent rise in cases across parts of the country, the Delhi government has issued an advisory instructing hospitals to ensure readiness in terms of beds, oxygen supplies, essential medicines, and vaccines. This precautionary step aims to prevent any strain on healthcare infrastructure should the number of cases rise further.
However, health experts have stressed that the situation remains manageable and far from alarming. Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, stated, “At the moment, the situation is under control. There are, at most, sporadic cases, which are also rare. Even the present cases are being managed very easily.”
He added that no hospitalisations or ICU admissions have been reported due to COVID-19. “They are not being hospitalised. This is what we were expecting: that when COVID happened, it would remain a seasonal flu which could be treated very easily. The situation is not one of panic,” Dr. Chatterjee reassured.
He further remarked, “We haven’t seen any hospitalised or ICU COVID-19 cases in the hospital. Only hype has been created, but there is no need to panic.”
According to the latest data as of May 19, India’s active COVID-19 case count stands at just 257, a remarkably low figure for a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion. Nearly all of these cases are mild and do not require hospital treatment.
India continues to maintain a strong surveillance system for respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure any potential increase in cases is quickly identified and addressed.
While the detection of new cases serves as a reminder to maintain basic precautions, both government officials and medical experts have urged the public to stay calm and not succumb to unnecessary fear.