Centre launches mock drills: Is India ready for rising COVID-19 cases?

India is intensifying efforts to prepare for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases by launching mock drills across the country. The Centre's initiative aims to evaluate the readiness of healthcare facilities at the local level amid a rise in infections.

Currently, the total number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 5,755. Delhi alone reported 73 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing its active case count to 665. Kerala remains the state with the highest active caseload at 1,806, followed by Gujarat with 717, Maharashtra with 577, and Karnataka with 444 active cases.

The recent 24-hour period also saw four deaths attributed to COVID-19, with one fatality each reported in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These figures underscore the ongoing challenge faced by the healthcare system.

The mock drills are designed to test the preparedness of hospitals and other health facilities to manage a possible increase in COVID-19 patients. This proactive approach reflects the government's commitment to strengthening response mechanisms and ensuring adequate resources and protocols are in place.

"The drills will help identify gaps and improve coordination among healthcare providers," officials said, emphasizing the importance of readiness in mitigating the impact of rising cases.

As the pandemic evolves, such measures are critical to safeguarding public health and preventing healthcare system overload.

India's Centre has launched mock drills nationwide to assess readiness amid rising COVID-19 cases, with active infections reaching 5,755. Delhi reported 73 new cases, Kerala leads with 1,806 active cases, and four deaths occurred in the last 24 hours across four states.