Mon May 26 19:04:33 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Delhi is currently monitoring a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, with 104 active cases reported and 99 of those reported in the past week. The Health Minister has assured the public that there is no need to panic, as the symptoms are mild. Hospitals have been advised to prepare with necessary resources, and “respiratory etiquette” has been emphasized. However, on-the-ground observations at some government medical facilities reveal a lack of mask usage and temperature screening. All positive COVID-19 samples are being sent for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital. Medical research officials say that the severity of infection is generally mild, and that new variants are sub-variants of Omicron and not severe.

**News Article:**

**Delhi on Alert as COVID-19 Cases Rise, Officials Urge Precaution, But Laxity Observed in Hospitals**

**New Delhi – May 27, 2025** – The Delhi government is on alert following a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, with Health Minister Pankaj Singh reporting 104 active cases, 99 of which have emerged in the past seven days. While officials assure the public that there is no cause for panic, concerns are being raised about lax implementation of safety measures in some government hospitals.

“There is no cause for panic,” stated Minister Singh on Monday. “So far, those affected by the latest COVID variant are experiencing only viral fever-like symptoms.” He emphasized that hospitals have been advised to prepare with beds, oxygen, essential medicines, and equipment as a precautionary measure.

An advisory has also been issued to hospitals to reinforce “respiratory etiquette.” However, a spot check by *The Hindu* revealed that mask usage and temperature screening were not consistently followed in some government medical facilities, including Lok Nayak Hospital where patients and attendants were seen around the COVID ICU without masks. The hospital has not commented on the issue.

All COVID-19 positive samples in Delhi are being sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), stated that initial sequencing results indicate that the new variants are sub-variants of the Omicron strain and are not severe. “The genome sequencing of samples in west and south India has shown that the new variants are not severe. Samples from other places are being sequenced. We will know in a day or two if there are more variants,” Dr. Behl said.

The government is urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended health protocols despite the reported mild nature of the current infections. Further updates will be provided as genome sequencing results are analyzed.

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