Amid rising Covid-19 numbers across parts of India, Delhi has recorded 23 active coronavirus cases as of Thursday, according to Health Minister Pankaj Singh. These cases were identified through tests conducted at private diagnostic labs.

Minister Singh clarified that authorities are still determining whether the infections originated within the city or were brought in by individuals from other regions. “We’re in regular contact with the heads of all hospitals in the capital. The Delhi government is fully equipped and ready to handle the situation,” he said during a press briefing on Friday.

He added that the current variant of the virus appears to resemble seasonal flu in its symptoms, and therefore, there is no reason for public panic. All 23 infected individuals are reported to be in stable condition.

To ensure readiness, the health minister confirmed that hospitals have sufficient oxygen supplies, diagnostic kits, and other essential resources. “An eight-member team has been formed to inspect hospitals and assess preparedness,” he said.

Despite the recent uptick in cases nationwide, Singh assured citizens that an emergency scenario is not anticipated. This comes as India experiences sporadic rises in Covid-19 infections, particularly in some states and neighboring countries.

Kerala has reported the highest increase so far, logging 182 new cases in May. Mumbai, meanwhile, has 53 active cases but no related fatalities have been reported recently.

On Monday, the central government conducted a high-level review meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, and attended by officials from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief, ICMR, and other institutions. The meeting aimed to coordinate a response and emphasized monitoring of influenza-like illnesses and severe respiratory infections at healthcare facilities.