Alert Sounded as Covid Cases See Uptick in AP; BA.2 and RF.5 Variants Detected

The Health department of Andhra Pradesh government has issued an alert to all its hospitals in the state, with Covid-19 cases witnessing a fresh uptick in the state. Around 30 cases of Covid have been reported so far, accounting for four deaths. This has prompted authorities to set up dedicated isolation wards and strengthen surveillance.

Officials said all teaching hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) have been instructed to earmark special Covid wards. There are 38 such hospitals across the state. Each facility has been equipped with at least 10 dedicated Covid beds, along with ventilator support. Superintendents have been directed to ensure that patients with suspected symptoms are immediately shifted to isolation wards.

“Apart from creating isolation wards, we have supplied adequate RT-PCR testing kits and PPE supplies,” said Director of Medical Education Dr. A. Vishnuvardhan.

The preparedness drive has been extended to secondary care institutions, including district hospitals, area hospitals, and community health centres. Isolation, testing, and treatment facilities are being put in place there.

At Rajampet Area Hospital in Kadapa district, five special Covid beds have been arranged. “We have set up isolation beds and are screening patients with symptoms. Testing kits are expected shortly,” said Dr A. Anil Kumar, a senior doctor at the facility.

Recent samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune from Kadapa and Tirupati have been identified as sub-variants of the Covid virus. Of the five samples tested, two are BA.2 and three RF.5 variants, according to health officials.

Specialists have downplayed concerns over the severity of these variants. “These are sub-variants and not considered highly dangerous. Complications are generally seen only in patients with comorbidities, such as asthma or chronic respiratory conditions,” explained Dr B. Nagasrilatha, microbiology expert at RIMS Kadapa.

Health officials said discussions are going on with experts from ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and NIV to assess the potential impact of the variants and to finalise precautionary measures. “We are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting updated guidelines from ICMR, which are expected shortly,” a senior health department official said.

Doctors have advised the public to remain cautious, especially in crowded places like railway and bus stations. “Wearing masks in congested areas and following basic hygiene practices, like washing hands and not touching eyes, can significantly reduce risk,” a public health official emphasised.

Covid Special Beds Arranged Across Hospital Categories as Follows: