From Kerala to Uttar Pradesh, states step up vigil as Covid returns

Masks, tests and advisories return as states like Kerala, UP and Odisha increase vigilance amid rising Covid-19 cases driven by new Omicron sub-variants

The Covid wave that recently surfaced in Southeast Asia appears to be gradually spreading to India. States like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha have issued directives to officials and the public while scaling up testing efforts. However, officials say the Centre has yet to issue any advisory on the current wave or booster doses.

 

While there is no panic, hospitals and local authorities have been told to increase testing capacity.

 

According to state officials, Omicron sub-variants JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8 are now causing concern in India as well. These strains are highly transmissible, although symptoms remain mild. The World Health Organization has not issued any advisory yet, despite the virus spreading across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. Maharashtra, meanwhile, is reportedly seeing clusters of new cases.

 

As with earlier outbreaks, Kerala has moved first, issuing updated guidelines urging mask use and caution, especially for high-risk/vulnerable groups, and activating its rapid response team. The state has reported about 182 new Covid cases so far in May. 

 

“The public must remain vigilant. Cases are rising in other countries, and we need to be prepared,” said Kerala Health Minister Veena George. The state has directed hospitals to test symptomatic visitors using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction kits and to stock up on masks and protective equipment. People are advised to wear masks if they develop symptoms, with similar guidance issued for the elderly, pregnant women, health workers, and individuals with existing health conditions.

 

In Uttar Pradesh, the government has asked several districts to prepare Covid wards at community health centres and ensure adequate supplies of oxygen concentrators and oxygen plants. Odisha has urged residents to stay alert and strictly follow Covid precautions—wearing masks, practising hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distancing. Citizens have also been asked to notify authorities if symptoms appear.

 

Tamil Nadu has advised the public to stay calm, saying that the situation is being monitored closely through the state’s Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.

 

“The health department is tracking all viruses, including coronavirus, through the IHIP portal, which supports real-time data reporting, modelling, and analysis. This system is integrated with other public health programmes. Any infections will be promptly reported,” said T S Selvavinayagam, director of the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

 

On Monday, the Union health ministry held a meeting with senior officials and representatives of central government hospitals to review the situation, concluding that it remains under control.

 

“Covid surveillance is part of our routine. We track influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) for any spike. If we detect anything, we check for Covid too. So far, nothing concerning has emerged,” said Karnataka Health Commissioner Sivakumar K B. Karnataka has reported 30 cases in May so far.

 

As of May 19, India had 257 active Covid cases. Most are mild, with no hospitalisation required. Maharashtra has reported two Covid-related deaths, and Kerala one. Mumbai alone has seen around 95 cases this month, according to media reports. State health departments are testing nearly all patients presenting with ILI or SARI symptoms.

 

Doctors are advising high-risk individuals to stay cautious. “Most cases are mild, and hospitalisation isn’t required. There’s no cause for panic. But people with chronic medical conditions should take extra care — masking up in enclosed spaces and avoiding close contact with anyone who has a fever. Those with mild fever should stay home until symptoms subside to avoid infecting others,” said Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Cochin chapter of the Indian Medical Association and a Covid-19 expert.

 

“We are fully alert. The health department is on watch. There’s no need to worry. The government and health authorities are prepared,” said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.