No cause for concern as current COVID-19 rise is seasonal, says Telangana health department

The Telangana Health Department on Friday, July 24 issued an advisory stating that there is no need for public concern over the current COVID-19 situation, describing the recent increase in cases as a mild seasonal uptick similar to the trend observed during the same period last year.

According to the advisory issued by Director of Public Health Dr B. Ravinder Nayak, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, based on assessments by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and other expert agencies, has found no evidence of increased disease severity or the emergence of any new Variant of Concern.

The department advised elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions to continue following basic health precautions, including avoiding poorly ventilated and crowded places. It noted that these measures are also appropriate for preventing respiratory illnesses commonly seen during the ongoing influenza season.

The advisory said the Telangana government is continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation in coordination with the Union government and is maintaining surveillance in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.