Delhi has seen 23 fresh COVID-19 cases from May 12 to May 22, for which the city government issued a precautionary advisory to hospitals. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh clarified that though the situation is on track, hospitals must keep beds, oxygen supply, necessary medicines, and vaccines ready to handle any possible spike in cases.

The recent surge in cases is due to the outbreak of the Omicron subvariant JN.1 and its lineages, LF.7 and NB.1.8, which have been propagating in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong. These variants have around 30 mutations, but health experts report that the current Indian cases are mainly mild and do not require hospitalization.

To counter the spurt in infections, the Delhi government has formed a group of eight high-ranking officers to keep a close watch. Hospitals have been warned to be on their guard and ready, but there is as yet no cause for concern.

At the national level, India has reported 164 new COVID-19 cases up to May 12, with the maximum cases being reported in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Even as there has been an increase, the Union Health Ministry maintains that the situation is under control on the whole.

Health officials urge the public to be aware, follow safety advisories, and not panic. The authorities will keep watching for developments and will apply further measures if the need arises to maintain public health and safety.