Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh assures stability of COVID-19 patients; no need to panic

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh confirmed that the city has reported 23 active COVID-19 cases as of May 22, all of which are stable. He emphasized that there is no need to panic as the current strain resembles common influenza and is not causing severe illness.

The Delhi government has issued an advisory to hospitals, urging them to prepare for a potential surge by ensuring the availability of beds, oxygen, and essential medications. Singh stated, "All the hospitals in the city are fully equipped and prepared for any emergency", highlighting that there is no shortage of resources.

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially as the JN.1 variant has been linked to a recent increase in cases across India, with the country reporting 257 active cases this year. Maharashtra has seen a significant rise, with cases jumping from 12 to 56 in just one week.

Experts have advised the public, particularly vulnerable groups, to reintroduce basic precautions such as wearing masks in crowded places. Despite the uptick, health officials maintain that the situation remains under control, with most cases being mild and manageable.

Singh reassured that the government is verifying whether the patients are residents of Delhi or have traveled from outside the city, and emphasized ongoing communication with medical superintendents across hospitals.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh reassured the public that the 23 reported COVID-19 cases are stable and manageable, urging no panic. The government has activated pandemic preparedness protocols, ensuring hospitals are equipped with necessary resources amid a mild uptick in cases linked to the JN.1 variant.