As COVID-19 cases inch upward across India, the Delhi government has issued a health advisory urging hospitals to ensure readiness with beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh reported 23 active cases as of May 22, adding that verification is underway to determine if the patients are local or from outside the city. “There is no need for panic,” he said, asserting that Delhi is fully prepared.

Mumbai remains the current hotspot, with 95 of Maharashtra’s 132 total cases this year reported in May. Sixteen patients are hospitalized, prompting patient transfers between KEM and Seven Hills hospitals. Pune has reported just one case this month but is proactively reserving 50 beds at Naidu Hospital.

In Haryana, three new cases have sparked alert in Gurugram and Faridabad, while Tamil Nadu sees a gradual climb, including 12 cases from Puducherry and a noticeable shift in Chennai, where COVID-19 now dominates over influenza among viral infections. Hospitals have even postponed certain high-risk procedures due to the uptick.

Health experts link the rise to two new Omicron subvariants—OF.7 and NB.1.8—known for higher transmission potential. Factors like waning immunity, reduced public precautions, and increased mobility are also contributing to the surge.

Authorities urge the public to remain calm but cautious, emphasizing the importance of masks, avoiding crowded places, and vaccination, especially for the vulnerable.