Panic surges among citizens as the number of COVID cases rises; two new variants with mild symptoms found
The number of COVID cases in India is rapidly increasing. Government data shows that there are more than 1,000 active cases of COVID-19 throughout the country.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) May 27: With the number of present coronavirus cases in India crossing 1,000 on May 27, the concern over COVID-19 has come back. Experts advise people to use caution and not panic due to moderate and vague symptoms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is monitoring the new variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, and no cause for concern has been identified as of now. Kerala people are worried as the number of cases in the state have increased and crossed 400. The number of cases in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have also seen increases.
Kerala has the highest number of active cases with 430 cases. Maharashtra has the second highest number of cases with 209. The number of cases in Delhi are 104 and Karnataka has 47 active cases.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), four Omicron sub variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB. 1.8.1—have been identified. As COVID-19 cases are increasing in some parts of the nation, the current variants are only showing mild symptoms similar to the Omicron strain.
While warning the public not to panic, the ICMR has advised those who are suffering illnesses and those with weakened immune systems to exercise caution.
ICMR DG Dr Rajiv Bahl has said, “Surveillance is underway to determine the reasons behind the increase in cases, and the government is making necessary preparations. The four variants that we have found are sub variants of Omicron --- LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. But more samples are being tested for further information.”
The sub variants LF.7 and NB.1.8 have been categorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), instead of Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). The increase of COVID-19 instances in China and other Asian countries is said to be caused by these variations.
Rekha Gupta, the chief minister of Delhi, assured the people of Delhi that everything is still under control. She said, “Hospitals are equipped with beds, oxygen supplies, and necessary medicines. The advisory issued is only precautionary.”
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh stated that the recent cases were similar to seasonal viral infections. He added, “There’s no need to panic. Patients are mostly experiencing mild symptoms like fever, cough, and cold. Our hospitals are fully prepared.”
Aadrika Tayal
