Delhi Issues Covid-19 Advisory Amid Mild Surge Across India
The Delhi government has issued a Covid-19 advisory urging all hospitals to ensure readiness in terms of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. This move follows the detection of 23 new Covid-19 cases in Delhi, as confirmed by Health Minister Pankaj Singh. The government is currently verifying whether these cases involve local residents or travellers. All positive samples are to be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing to detect emerging variants.
The advisory comes in response to a rise in Covid-19 cases in several Asian countries, including China, Thailand, and Singapore. As a precautionary measure, all healthcare institutions have been directed to report daily updates on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal. The emphasis is on maintaining functional medical equipment such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and Bi-PAP machines.
Across India, a mild increase in Covid-19 cases has been noted, with 257 active cases reported as of May 19, 2025, according to the Union Health Ministry. States like Kerala (273 cases in May), Tamil Nadu (66 cases), and Maharashtra (56 cases) are experiencing the highest numbers. Kerala’s districts such as Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ernakulam have reported the most infections.
Neighbouring regions of Delhi, including Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad, have also reported new cases. In Ghaziabad, four individuals tested positive; one is hospitalized, while the others are under home isolation. Gurugram recorded two cases—a woman recently returned from Mumbai and a local elderly man. Faridabad reported a case involving a 28-year-old security guard, who sought care at Safdarjung Hospital. His throat swab has been sent for genome sequencing.
National health agencies including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) state that the situation remains under control, with most infections being mild and non-hospitalized. Nevertheless, the public is urged to remain vigilant, follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, and seek medical care if symptoms appear.
This surge aligns with the global pattern, as emerging Omicron subvariants like JN.1 fuel new waves in Singapore and Hong Kong. While India's numbers are low, continued surveillance and vaccination are key to avoiding larger outbreaks.
