Is There a Need to Panic in Gujarat with Rising Covid Cases?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat reports 83 new Covid-19 cases.
- Health Minister Patel urges calm and caution.
- Covid-19 variant JN-1 is a sub-lineage of Omicron.
- Most cases show mild symptoms and are treated at home.
- Public advised to isolate if symptomatic.
Ahmedabad, May 26 (NationPress) The Health Minister of Gujarat, Rushikesh Patel, has called on residents to stay alert yet composed as the state reported 83 new cases of Covid-19 as of Monday. “There’s no need to panic, but it’s important to be cautious,” Patel stated during a press conference addressing the public's concerns. He encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 to isolate immediately to curb the spread.
“We are in constant communication with the Central government regarding the evolving situation. The variant currently observed, JN-1, belongs to the Omicron sub-lineage. Thus far, patients have exhibited mild symptoms and are being managed through home isolation,” he remarked.
Reassuring the populace, the Health Minister stressed that the Health Department is well-prepared. “There’s no reason to fear. Our response is synchronized with the Centre and related institutions. Isolating symptomatic individuals indoors remains the most effective precaution,” he stated.
As of May 26, 2025, India has reported a total of 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, indicating a significant increase in infections following months of low activity. This rise has been attributed to the emergence of new variants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—detected across various states.
Currently, Kerala has the highest active cases at 430, followed by Maharashtra with 209, and Delhi with 104. Other states with notable cases include Tamil Nadu (66), Karnataka (35), and Gujarat (7). Fewer cases have also emerged in Andhra Pradesh (4), Bihar (1), Jharkhand (1), and West Bengal (11).
The new subvariants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, are under close observation. The former was initially identified in Tamil Nadu in April, while the latter surfaced recently in Gujarat.
Both variants are being monitored by the World Health Organization but are not presently classified as variants of concern. Despite the uptick, the situation remains manageable, with most patients recovering through home isolation and exhibiting mild symptoms. Health officials continue to encourage the public to remain vigilant, adhere to preventive measures, and avoid unnecessary panic.