India Mandates RT-PCR Tests for Ministers Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
As COVID-19 cases surge in India, the government has mandated RT-PCR tests for ministers meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last 24 hours, 306 new cases were reported, raising active cases to 7,121. The central health ministry confirmed six fatalities, with Kerala recording the highest number of new infections. Various states have issued advisories urging citizens to remain vigilant. The Delhi government has also prepared hospitals to handle the increasing cases. Amid these developments, mock drills are being conducted nationwide to assess hospital readiness, although most cases are reported to be mild.
| Jun 11, 2025, 12:09 IST
COVID-19 Cases Surge in India
According to a report from a prominent news source, the Indian government has made RT-PCR testing mandatory for ministers meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. In the last 24 hours, India reported 306 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of active cases to 7,121. Data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicated that six patients succumbed to the virus during this period.
Testing for BJP Officials
Sources revealed that around 70 BJP officials from Delhi, including the Chief Minister and all seven MPs and MLAs, will undergo RT-PCR testing before their meeting with Prime Minister Modi at his residence this evening. Following the BJP's victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, PM Modi has invited all state party leaders for dinner at 7:30 PM.
COVID-19 Statistics
An official statement from the central health ministry on Wednesday confirmed that there were 306 new cases and six fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. Among the deaths, three occurred in Kerala, while Maharashtra and Karnataka reported one and two deaths, respectively. Kerala recorded the highest number of new cases in a single day, with 170 infections. Gujarat followed with 114 new cases and 1,223 active infections, while Karnataka reported 100 new cases. The health ministry also noted that Delhi recorded 66 new cases, bringing the total caseload in the city to 757.
Government Advisories Issued
Governments are issuing advisories
While the central health ministry has not released new guidelines for the general public, several Indian states have issued directives urging residents to remain calm and vigilant. In response to the rising COVID-19 cases, the Karnataka government has appealed to citizens to cooperate with health officials to curb the spread and maintain safety.
Preparedness Measures
On May 23, the Delhi government issued an advisory for hospitals to ensure they are equipped with sufficient beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines to handle the increasing COVID-19 cases. The situation remains concerning, with Kerala surpassing 2,000 active cases, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.
Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases, the central government has initiated mock drills across the country to assess hospital preparedness. States have been instructed to ensure adequate supplies of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medications. However, officials report that most cases are mild in nature.