As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across India, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the public to remain calm while stressing the importance of maintaining standard safety precautions to curb further transmission.
India’s active COVID-19 cases stand at 5,755, with the country reporting 391 new cases and 4 more deaths in the past 24 hours, according to the latest official figures. The total death toll has now reached 59.
Kerala IMA State President Dr K.A. Srivilasan and Secretary Dr K. Sasidharan reassured citizens that the recent surge, primarily driven by the Omicron variant, is not a cause for panic. “These variants are known to cause only short-term symptomatic illness,” the statement said, noting that Kerala’s high vaccination coverage reduces the risk of severe disease.
Also Read | Amid COVID-19 surge, Centre asks states to ensure oxygen, bed supply
However, the IMA warned that vulnerable groups—especially those with chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or kidney disorders—must remain particularly cautious. “Even mild infections can have serious consequences in individuals with weakened immune systems,” the IMA cautioned.
The association emphasised that COVID-19 symptoms often overlap with other seasonal infections, making it difficult to identify cases based on symptoms alone. Therefore, continued adherence to basic preventive measures such as physical distancing, mask use, and regular hand hygiene remains essential.
The IMA also recommended that all healthcare facilities strictly enforce mask usage and restrict unnecessary visitors. People with respiratory symptoms have been advised to isolate and avoid contact with others until they recover.
The IMA also asked the public to cooperate with government testing and treatment protocols. “While there is no need for alarm, complacency can be dangerous,” the statement concluded.
