Covid-19 Surge: AP Govt Issues Health Advisory as State Reports New Case

The Department of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory for the citizens of Andhra Pradesh as a new wave of Covid-19 cases has been recorded in Asia, including India. 

According to reports, a 28-year-old woman from Visakhapatnam has tested positive for the virus. A resident of Maddipalem in Vizag’s Pithapuram Colony, the woman underwent a Covid-19 test after experiencing cold-like symptoms.

Earlier, there were reports that a 75-year-old from Chagalamarri in Nandyal was admitted to Kadapa RIMS after testing positive for Covid-19. However, Kadapa District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) dismissed the news as fake. He clarified that the woman was admitted to the hospital with lung problems. 

Advising the citizens not to believe in rumours, he clarified that the elderly woman had not been diagnosed with Covid. She was only being treated in the Covid ward for lung issues.

As of May 19, India has 257 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana reporting new infections of the JN.1 variant.

In response to the recent uptick in cases, the Andhra Pradesh government has issued new guidelines, urging citizens to follow social distancing norms and avoid large gatherings.

In an advisory issued by the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, health authorities have been instructed to educate the public about avoiding mass gatherings such as prayer meetings, parties, and functions.

Officials at railway stations, bus terminals, and airports have been directed to ensure strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Elderly individuals above 60 years of age and pregnant women have been advised to stay indoors. Citizens are encouraged to maintain proper hygiene, including frequent handwashing.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, body aches, or nasal congestion is urged to undergo a Covid-19 test.

The Health Department has also been directed to ensure the availability of an adequate number of masks, PPE kits, triple-layer masks, and round-the-clock testing labs.