Delhi is witnessing a COVID-19 resurgence fuelled by new strains NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. While infections increase, health authorities assure calm, noting light symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Hospitals are on alert, and professionals have called for caution.
India’s national capital is witnessing a resurgence in the cases of COVID 19, with the city battling against the outbreak of a new variant known as NB.1.8.1. Health Minister Pankaj Singh allayed general concerns by stating that the latest variants are gradually developing identical to usual viral illnesses, like common cough, cold, and mild fever; urging the general public to not panic. Health officials have confirmed that the majority of recent infections in Delhi are linked to the variant, with a few cases also traced to another sub-lineage known as LF.7.
According to the latest data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog) two novel variants of the virus; NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have come to the limelight against the backdrop of a nation experiencing gradual spikes in COVID cases across several cities. "There is no reason to fear Corona. All patients who have come in today have cold cough-like symptoms. So there is no reason to fear, and this visible variant is slowly showing its effect like viral fever. There is nothing for anyone to fear," the news agency ANI quoted Jain as saying.
Meanwhile, earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta asserted that there was no need to panic as hospitals were prepared for any kind of emergency. The Chief Minister further stated, “We have all the details of the Covid-19 cases. Our hospitals are equipped with all the facilities.We have also come out with an advisory," the Chief Minister informed journalists.
Of the 1,000 active Novel Coronavirus cases in India, Kerala saw an increase of 335 new cases which raised the state's active cases to 430. Maharashtra accounted for 153 new COVID-19 cases and Delhi 99 cases. According to the government of India data, after Kerala, as of now Maharashtra and Delhi have 209 and104 active Covid-19 respectively. The World Health Organisation (WHO) currently list both LF.7 and NB. 1.8, as ‘Variants Under Monitoring’, not as ‘Variants of Interest’ or ‘Variants of Concern’.
The incidence data and provisions in the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, and the Disaster Management Act, 2005 have been useful in governing response to COVID-19 in each of its earlier waves, their applicability has since been eased. Nonetheless, these pieces of legislation remain on standby for prompt reactivation if the situation worsens. Under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), health guidelines can be reinstated, such as mask mandates, quarantine orders, and restrictions on public gatherings — although so far, no restrictions are anticipated.
Health professionals today are calling for a vigilant, evidence-based response and not alarmist lockdowns or curfews. Authorities have urged citizens to stay up to date on vaccinations and seek medical attention promptly at the first sign of symptoms and continue practicing respiratory procedures— especially in crowded or enclosed environments. As India gets accustomed to coexisting with COVID-19 and coping with its changing forms, the emphasis has moved away from control towards coexistence, encouraging preparedness, transparency, and public resilience as opposed to fear and disruption. Delhi’s experience with this outbreak illustrates the country’s transformation from reactive lockdowns to proactive mitigation strategies based on science, systems, and an informed public. The virus is still present, and so is India’s growing expertise in handling it.
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