Karnataka Reports 16 Active Covid Cases Amid Global Surge

Karnataka currently has 16 active Covid-19 cases, state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed on Tuesday, even as parts of Asia like Singapore and Hong Kong witness a fresh surge in infections.

While the numbers remain low within the state, the health department is maintaining vigilance given the global trends. Across India, the total number of active Covid cases stands at 257 as of May 19, according to data shared by PTI.

Officials have reassured the public that most of the new cases reported nationwide are mild and do not require hospitalisation. A senior official, following a high-level review meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services, said, "The current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control."

The meeting saw participation from key health agencies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the emergency medical relief division, among others.

In light of rising cases in some Asian countries, India's health ministry is keeping a close watch on international developments. Hospitals across the country have been advised to monitor cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) closely.

India's surveillance network - including the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR - continues to track respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, to ensure early detection and timely response.