In a development that marks the first reported COVID-19 case in Noida during the ongoing nationwide uptick in infections, a 55-year-old woman from Sector 110 in the National Capital Region has tested positive, according to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Dr Narendra Kumar. The patient is currently under home isolation, and her immediate contacts, including her husband and maid, have tested negative for the virus.
Dr Kumar confirmed that the woman had recently travelled by train, which is being considered as a possible source of infection. He emphasised that the case is being monitored closely and all necessary protocols are being followed.
Elsewhere, three COVID-19 cases were recently reported at AIIMS Rishikesh. One patient has already been discharged, while another is a resident doctor currently in isolation. The third case involves a patient from Gujarat who had travelled to Uttarakhand for the Badrinath Yatra.
AIIMS Rishikesh Director Dr Meenu Singh reassured that the current variant of the virus does not appear to be severe. “This variant is not very harmful, but people with comorbidities should remain vigilant,” she said, adding that the hospital has implemented COVID-appropriate behaviour in response to state-level alerts.
In the wake of these reports, the Delhi government has issued an advisory to all hospitals to ensure preparedness. This includes ensuring the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines.
Despite the recent cases, experts continue to maintain that the overall situation remains under control. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, described the present cases as sporadic and mild, with no hospitalisations or ICU admissions reported. “This is more like a seasonal flu wave. There is no need to panic,” he said.
As of May 19, India has only 257 active COVID-19 cases, most of which are mild and do not require hospitalisation. Surveillance efforts continue under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Authorities are urging citizens to stay alert but not alarmed, as health systems remain fully equipped to handle the situation.