Dehradun and Haridwar have reported fresh cases of COVID-19, signaling a potential resurgence of the virus in Uttarakhand. According to the state health department, five individuals tested positive on Wednesday — four from Dehradun and one from Haridwar. All infected individuals are currently stable and under home isolation.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Chief Medical Officer of Dehradun, stated that a 47-year-old man from Hathibarkala, who recently returned from the Char Dham Yatra, tested positive after developing symptoms and undergoing testing at a private lab. Additionally, two men aged 50 and 55 from the Darraypur area, and a 48-year-old woman from Selakui, also tested positive.
In Haridwar, a 69-year-old man has been confirmed positive for the virus. Notably, four of these five patients have no recent travel history, which has raised alarm among health officials about the possibility of local transmission.
Dr. Sharma added that among the infected, three individuals are employed in government departments, one is a homemaker, and another is a private citizen. All patients are being monitored regularly by the health department’s surveillance teams.
Health experts have emphasized the seriousness of local transmission, warning that the presence of infections without travel history indicates active community spread. The health department has intensified sampling and monitoring in response.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and not ignore symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue. Officials recommend wearing masks in public, maintaining hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded places.
In response to the rise in cases, a mock drill was conducted at Doon Medical College Hospital to assess preparedness. Critical resources such as oxygen plants, ICU beds, and ventilators were inspected. Dr. Kumar G. Kaul, the hospital’s nodal officer, informed that 40 beds have been reserved for COVID-19 patients — 30 for adults and 10 for children.
A review meeting of the hospital’s COVID Core Committee was chaired by Principal Dr. Geeta Jain, who directed staff to ensure adequate availability of oxygen, ventilators, ICU beds, N-95 masks, and essential medicines. She also announced that weekly reviews would be conducted every Wednesday to monitor the evolving situation.
Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. N.S. Bisht and other senior staff members were present during the meeting.
