India's active Covid-19 cases cross 5,000; Kerala, Delhi, Bengal report sharp rise

India is once again witnessing a steady rise in Covid-19 infections. As of Friday morning, the country reported 5,364 active cases, with 764 new infections and four deaths in the past 24 hours. Kerala continues to be the most affected, recording 192 cases in a single day. The other major contributors are Gujarat (107), West Bengal (58), and Delhi (30).

In response to the surge, the central government conducted mock drills across hospitals on June 5 to assess preparedness. The drills focused on ensuring availability of oxygen, ventilators, isolation beds, and essential medicines. The government has also issued fresh advisories to all states for maintaining readiness against a possible wave.

Most of the reported infections are mild in nature, with patients recovering at home. However, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation. Surveillance for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) is being strengthened. SARI cases are being mandatorily tested, with positive samples sent for genome sequencing to monitor variants.

Though the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 no longer a global emergency in May 2023, health experts caution that periodic localised surges are likely, as the virus has now become endemic.