IMPHAL, June 25: Manipur has witnessed a sudden and sharp rise in COVID-19 cases over the past week, raising concerns among public health officials and triggering advisories from state and central authorities. After months of reporting minimal daily infections, the state is now grappling with a fresh surge, indicating signs of active community transmission.
According to data released by the Health Department, a total of 613 samples have been tested since June 1, with 189 returning positive. As of June 25, the state has 152 active cases, marking a notable increase in the test positivity rate. On the same day, 18 new infections were confirmed while 3 patients recovered and were discharged.
Currently, 138 of the active cases are being managed through home isolation, and 3 individuals have already recovered under home-based care. Although there have been no new COVID-related fatalities and hospitalizations remain low, authorities emphasized that the situation demands close monitoring and swift response measures.
In some districts, the test positivity rate has surged past 14 percent, signaling widespread transmission. Responding to the alarming trend, the Union Ministry of Health has directed the state to intensify testing, ensure hospital preparedness, and stock up on essential resources including oxygen supplies, medications, and isolation facilities. Genomic surveillance efforts are also being ramped up to detect emerging variants, with the dominant strain identified as a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant.
