Delhi records fourth Covid-related death this year; active cases climb to 483

Covid-19

Delhi reported another Covid-19 death on Monday, bringing the city’s fatality count to four this year, even as active cases climbed to 483. The latest casualty was a 22-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary Koch’s disease, post-tuberculosis lung complications and a bilateral lower respiratory tract infection, according to the Union Health Ministry’s Covid-19 dashboard, TOI reported.

Since January, the country has recorded 32 Covid-related deaths, including four since Sunday - one each in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala.

While the numbers remain far below previous surges, health experts stress the importance of continued vigilance, particularly among high-risk groups. Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Hospital Saket, noted that India’s current caseload does not justify mass vaccination drives. He added that vulnerable groups may need it eventually, but not the general population, TOI reported. Authorities will reassess if cases spike further.

Dr GC Khilnani, Chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, explained that immunity, whether from prior infection or vaccination, wanes over time. While vaccines have been effective in reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths, they do not prevent transmission entirely. Current mild infections shouldn’t cause panic, but immunocompromised individuals must take extra precautions, he was cited by TOI. Elderly individuals (especially those over 75), chemotherapy patients, people with uncontrolled diabetes and long-term steroid users face heightened risks.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, emphasised preventive measures, quoted TOI: “People with weak immune systems must exercise caution and follow Covid-19 guidelines strictly. Using face masks in confined, packed or inadequately ventilated areas helps prevent virus spread, especially while travelling in public vehicles, visiting medical facilities and attending gatherings.” He also urged regular hand hygiene and self-isolation for those experiencing mild symptoms like sore throat or fatigue.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new vaccine for those aged 65+ and individuals (12 to 64 years) with underlying health conditions. However, experts suggest consulting healthcare providers before opting for boosters.

Delhi’s 47 new cases mark the highest single-day rise in the current surge, with 82 recoveries since Sunday. Officials noted that one of the earlier fatalities, a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction, had severe comorbidities and her Covid infection was incidental.