COVID-19 update: Active cases cross 1,000 in India on May 26

COVID-19 update: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has in its daily COVID-19 update for May 26, said that active cases in India have now crossed 1,000.

According to the update at 8 am on May 26, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India is 1,009. 

Further, the ministry has noted the number of those discharged as 4.45 crore, and death toll from COVID-19 at 53 lakh. The number of Covid vaccinations given is 220 crore, last updated in June 2024. 

COVID-19 related deaths in Karnataka, Maharashtra

Notably, Karnataka and Maharashtra have reported COVID-19 related deaths in the new wave of infections. In Thane, a 21-year-old Covid-19 patient, who was being treated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital passed away, according to the Thane Municipal Corporation.

In Karnataka, an 84-year-old man with severe comorbidities, who tested positive for Covid-19 passed away. Speaking to the media, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “He had several issues. So we have asked for an audit. We cannot say directly that he died because of COVID only.”

“An 84-year-old man has died. The death probably happened on May 17. We are getting this death audited. He was tested COVID positive, but he was bedridden for a year, he had a hip replacement, he had heart issues, and he was a TB patient. So we have asked for an audit to get a clear report,” he added.

Bihar registers first case in new wave

Meanwhile, on May 26, Bihar reported its first COVID-19 case with a 31-year-old from Patna testing positive, PTI reported citing a senior health official.

The patient is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. “A man from Patna with no history of travelling outside the state recently has tested positive for Covid-19. The level of infection is very mild. The case is being monitored closely and all necessary protocols are being followed," Patna Civil Surgeon Abinash Kumar Singh told PTI.

“Government hospitals in Patna have already been asked to ensure preparedness. This includes ensuring the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines," Singh said.

West Bengal: Active cases reach 11

Another PTI report noted that four new COVID-19 cases have been reported in West Bengal, taking the total of active cases in the state to 11 on May 26, according a health department official. Seven cases were reported on May 24.

As per the official, most of the cases were reported from Kolkata and its suburbs. He added that patients with breathing issues have being treated at state-run and private hospitals.

“These patients are under observation. The health department is closely monitoring the rising number of coronavirus cases,” the official added.

Jharkhand reports first case, check-up drive in Ranchi today

In Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, one infection (the first case this wave) was registered on May 25. The infected person is being treated at a private hospital and had recently returned from Mumbai, a senior health official told PTI.

Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar added that a check-up drive would be carried out in Ranchi from May 26. “An isolation ward of 20 beds is being set up in Ranchi's Sadar Hospital,” he added.

(With inputs from Agencies)