June 19, 2025

COVID-19 Reemerges in Delhi With Over 290 Active Cases; Health Systems on Alert as City Reports One Death

News - 2025-05-31T125604.017
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New Delhi, May 31 – Delhi is back in the spotlight as COVID-19 resurfaces with a noticeable uptick in active infections. With 293 active cases and one reported death this week, the capital’s healthcare machinery has been put on alert. The government is urging caution without inciting panic as the virus once again reminds residents of its persistent presence.

A Gradual Reappearance, Not a Sudden Surge

This recent wave is unlike the explosive spikes of 2021 or 2022. Instead, the increase has been slow but consistent over the past 10 days. Experts believe the onset of summer and the movement of people across cities during holidays have contributed to the current numbers.

“Any virus that lingers eventually finds hosts again,” said Dr. Priya Mehra from AIIMS. “The issue is no longer whether it’s a crisis. The issue is: Are we prepared to contain it quickly before it becomes one?”

Vulnerable Groups Remain at Highest Risk

The death of a senior citizen with pre-existing medical conditions has raised concern. Though it may be an isolated case, officials are urging the elderly and immunocompromised individuals to take extra precautions, including using masks in crowded spaces and avoiding unnecessary travel.

Home isolation protocols have been updated and circulated to local health workers to ensure early intervention in suspected cases.

Coordination Between Agencies

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has begun informal reviews with hospital administrators, ambulance providers, and oxygen suppliers. While there is no indication of a major outbreak, a status report is being prepared as directed by the Union Health Ministry.

The Centre has asked all states to submit COVID-19 preparedness reports by June 2, ensuring oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and testing kits are sufficiently stocked.

Communication Strategy Revived

Learning from past experience, the Delhi government is reviving its COVID-19 communication strategy. New campaigns on FM radio, local TV, and digital platforms are being launched to keep the public informed but calm. The key messages focus on:

  • Identifying early symptoms
  • Encouraging testing
  • Promoting booster vaccinations
  • Dispelling myths around the new variants

Posters are also being distributed in schools and metro stations.

Variant Watch and Genome Sequencing

Genome sequencing is underway to identify whether a newer subvariant is driving the rise in infections. Early indications suggest a strain similar to Omicron’s Eris or XBB lineage. These have shown increased transmissibility but lower severity in most global reports.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working with AIIMS and ICMR to fast-track sequencing results and prepare risk models based on possible variant behavior.

Hospitals Report Moderate Readiness

Most hospitals in Delhi report normal functioning with some additional precautions. LNJP, RML, and GTB hospitals have reopened small COVID-19 wards to isolate new cases if required. A handful of patients are currently under observation due to complications related to age or pre-existing illness.

Ambulance services have been directed to maintain at least 10% of their fleet for COVID-19 duties and conduct daily sanitization.

Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

As Delhi enters a new chapter in its long battle with COVID-19, the message is clear: the virus is not gone, and neither should our vigilance be. With a manageable number of cases and a healthcare system ready to respond, the situation is under control — but only if Delhiites continue to act responsibly.

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar
Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.