India

Rajasthan Reports Nine New COVID-19 Cases; Including 16-Day-Old Infant

Rajasthan recorded nine new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, including a 16-day-old infant, pushing the state’s cumulative total for 2024 to 32 confirmed cases.

The latest infections emerged from Jaipur and Jodhpur, where health authorities remain on alert.

Jaipur Records Majority Of New Cases

Jaipur accounted for seven of the nine newly confirmed cases.

Two additional cases were reported at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jodhpur.

According to health officials, the fresh cases also include a 35-year-old woman and an infant in Jodhpur.

Among the Jaipur cases, four were detected at B Lal Diagnostic Lab, two at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, and one at Aanavik Diagnostic Centre.

Health officials have collected samples from all patients and sent them for genome sequencing to assess the nature of the variant.

COVID-19 Case Breakdown By Region

Since 1 January, Rajasthan has reported 32 COVID-19 cases and one death.

Jaipur remains the worst-affected area with the highest number of active cases, followed by Jodhpur with six. Other districts reporting cases include:

Udaipur: 4
Didwana: 3
Ajmer: 2
Sawai Madhopur: 1
Phalodi: 1
Bikaner: 1
One additional unspecified location

Minister Chairs High-Level Meeting As Precautionary Measures Tighten

In light of the rising case numbers, Rajasthan’s Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinwasar convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday with senior officials from the Department of Medicine and Health.

He directed the department to strengthen preventive strategies and ensure that all medical facilities remain prepared for any potential surge.

Also Read: First Images Released Of Tri-Service Chiefs Overseeing ‘Operation Sindoor’

Minister Khinwasar reassured the public that, according to the Union Government, the current COVID-19 variant is not considered fatal.

However, he advised citizens to remain vigilant, especially if symptoms such as cough, cold, or fever appear.

Focus On Vulnerable Groups And Medical Readiness

The Minister particularly urged vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women, chronically ill patients, and children to take extra precautions.

He also advised the public to avoid crowded areas and seek medical attention for any Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) symptoms.

Officials were instructed to ensure that diagnostic and treatment services remain fully functional across all districts.

Khinwasar emphasised the importance of public cooperation and adherence to health advisories.

Health Secretary Stresses Oxygen Plant Readiness

Gayatri Rathore, Principal Government Secretary of the Department of Medicine and Health, underlined the need for immediate repairs to any non-functional oxygen plants.

She directed officers to maintain all emergency infrastructure in a state of readiness.

She also reiterated the importance of following the latest COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Central Government, noting that updates must be implemented without delay.