India’s Covid-19 Cases Cross 5,000 Mark, Kerala Worst Hit as States Issue Fresh Health Advisories
India’s active Covid-19 cases crossed the 5,000 mark on Friday, reaching 5,364 infections as states began issuing fresh health advisories and the Centre conducted mock drills to assess facility-level preparedness. The country reported 498 new infections in the past 24 hours, with four deaths recorded during the same period.
Kerala remains the worst-affected state with 192 new cases reported on Friday, followed by Gujarat (107), West Bengal (58), and Delhi (30). The surge has prompted health authorities across states to reinforce preventive measures and ensure adequate medical infrastructure.
The Union government has directed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines in response to the rising Covid-19 cases. Mock drills are being conducted nationwide to assess preparedness levels at healthcare facilities.
According to Union health ministry data, the current wave shows a concerning upward trend, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to prevent healthcare system strain.
The national capital recorded 30 new Covid-19 infections on Friday, bringing active cases to 592. Delhi has reported seven deaths since January 1, with no new fatalities recorded since Thursday.
The relatively lower case count in Delhi compared to other major states has provided some relief to healthcare authorities, though vigilance remains high given the city’s dense population and high mobility.
Maharashtra reported 114 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, raising the state’s total to 1,276 since January. The state health department confirmed one additional death, taking the toll to 18, with 17 of the deceased having comorbidities.
The presence of multiple medical conditions in Covid-19 fatalities continues to be a significant factor, highlighting the vulnerability of patients with pre-existing health issues.
Haryana recorded 31 new cases, with 20 infections concentrated in Gurugram and Faridabad districts. Gurugram reported nine cases while Faridabad recorded 11, indicating urban clustering of infections.
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao urged vigilance while advising against panic. “Timely action and strict adherence to preventive measures can significantly curb the spread of the virus,” she stated. “There is no need to panic.”
The state currently has 87 active cases with a cumulative total of 151 positive cases, with only two patients requiring hospitalization.
Odisha reported seven new cases, bringing total infections in the current wave to 30. State Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra said seven people have recovered so far, leaving 23 active cases, none classified as serious.
Health authorities are detecting an average of five to seven new cases daily, with a test positivity rate of 1 to 1.5 percent among hospitalized patients.
State Health Services Director Amarendra Nath Mohanty issued specific guidance for the upcoming Rath Yatra: “People with Covid-19 symptoms should not visit Puri during the upcoming Rath Yatra later this month. Such persons can witness the festival through television and other media platforms.”
The Odisha government indicated preventive measures may be introduced when schools reopen on June 20 after summer vacation. School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond announced that students with Covid-like symptoms would be asked to wear masks, while those with acute infection signs would be required to stay home and isolate.
West Bengal detected 58 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours while 91 patients recovered during the same period, bringing active cases to 596. The death toll remained unchanged at one.
State officials emphasized the situation remains under control while advising continued adherence to Covid-19 protocols. “The situation is under control, and there is nothing to worry about. However, we would advise people to follow Covid-19 health-related protocols and wear masks,” officials stated.
