Delhi issues Covid-19 advisory as new cases rise, hospitals urged to prepare

The Delhi government issued an advisory on May 23 urging hospitals in the capital to ensure adequate availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines amid a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh reported 23 new Covid infections in the city and said the government is verifying whether the patients are local residents or have travel histories.

This advisory follows recent increases in cases reported in countries such as China, Thailand, and Singapore.

All health facilities have been instructed to send positive Covid-19 samples to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing.

“The hospitals must ensure preparedness in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other drugs, and vaccines. All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators, and PSA must be in functional condition,” the advisory said.

The health department also mandated daily reporting of all key parameters on the Delhi state health data management portal.

Mild Covid infections have been reported from various parts of India. According to the Union Health Ministry, 257 new cases were reported nationwide on May 21.

Maharashtra recorded 56 new cases, Tamil Nadu 66, and other states, including Puducherry, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Haryana, Karnataka, and West Bengal, also reported infections.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on May 23 that the state recorded 273 Covid-19 cases in May, with the highest numbers in Kottayam (82), Thiruvananthapuram (73), Ernakulam (49), Pathanamthitta (30), and Thrissur (26).

Haryana reported four mild cases, with patients placed under home observation. Health Minister Arti Singh Rao assured there is no need for panic and said the state government is closely monitoring the situation.

On May 19, experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief Division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research, and central government hospitals held a review meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services.

“The meeting concluded that the current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active Covid-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country's large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalization required,” an official said.