Delhi recorded 63 new Covid cases in the past 24 hours, marking the highest daily number since May last year. Other northern states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are also experiencing a rise in cases.
Over the past 15 days, Delhi has reported a total of 459 cases, compared to 191 in the previous two weeks and 73 in the 15-day period prior to that. Similarly, Rajasthan has seen an increase in cases, with 226 reported in the last 15 days compared to 96 and 27 in the previous two fortnights, according to data from the Union health ministry.
Experts state that periodic surges in Covid cases are normal and expected as the virus becomes endemic. However, there is currently no information available on the specific virus strains circulating in the northern states.
The last time Delhi reported more than 50 daily Covid cases was in May 2023, during the declining phase of a nationwide surge that began in March and peaked in mid-April, with over 12,500 cases reported on April 19. While there was a rise in cases earlier this winter, particularly in December and January, the numbers were considerably lower. The highest daily count during that period was 841 cases reported on December 30, mainly from southern India, especially Kerala.
However, it seems that the northern states are now witnessing a spike in cases. Apart from Delhi and Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are also experiencing a rise in infections. Uttar Pradesh reported only 12 cases from January 20 to February 4, which increased to 36 in the subsequent fortnight (February 4-19), and further rose to 164 in the latest fortnight (February 19 to March 5). Similarly, Bihar saw cases rise from 14 in the previous fortnight to 103 in the latest period.
On the other hand, Karnataka, which recently faced a surge in cases, is now witnessing a decline. The state reported 268 new cases in the 15-day period, down from 959 two fortnights ago.
In Maharashtra, the case count has remained relatively stable over the past three fortnights. The state reported 496 cases in the latest period, compared to 466 and 555 in the previous two fortnights.
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