Wed May 21 12:18:21 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
In an interview with The Hindu, Dr. B. Ravinder Naik, Telangana’s Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, addressed concerns regarding a potential resurgence of COVID-19 in India, particularly in Telangana, following reports of rising cases in other parts of Asia. Dr. Naik assured that there is no immediate cause for alarm as active cases in India are low and scattered, with no active cases reported in Telangana. The state has a seasonal health preparedness strategy that includes COVID-19, ongoing surveillance at airports, and a strengthened healthcare infrastructure built on the experiences of previous waves. While simple home care is advised for mild symptoms, high-risk groups should seek medical advice. Dr. Naik emphasized that Telangana is prepared to handle any future wave effectively, and the public should not panic.
**News Article:**
**Telangana Health Official Assures Public: No Immediate COVID-19 Threat**
**Hyderabad, May 21, 2025** – Amidst rising COVID-19 cases in parts of Asia, Telangana’s Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Dr. B. Ravinder Naik, has reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm in India or Telangana. In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Dr. Naik highlighted the low number of active cases nationwide and the absence of reported cases within Telangana.
“We are in a comfortable zone,” Dr. Naik stated, emphasizing the state’s robust seasonal health preparedness strategy that includes continuous monitoring for COVID-19 alongside other seasonal diseases. The strategy incorporates strengthened healthcare infrastructure, built and improved since the beginning of the pandemic. This includes increased bed availability, reliable oxygen supply, efficient testing and tracing systems, and established referral services and isolation protocols.
Surveillance measures are in place at the airport, with a dedicated team monitoring international arrivals to quickly identify potential cases.
Dr. Naik advised that individuals experiencing mild symptoms should opt for home care, including steam inhalation and increased fluid intake. However, he cautioned high-risk groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, to seek medical advice if symptoms arise.
“There is absolutely no need for public to panic,” Dr. Naik said. He affirmed that Telangana is well-prepared to handle any potential future wave effectively, based on lessons learned from past outbreaks and ongoing improvements to healthcare infrastructure and protocols. New advisories will be issued immediately after official advisories are released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
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