Amaravati : Andhra Pradesh has reported a fresh rise in COVID-19 infections, with 12 confirmed cases recorded between June 26 and July 16, prompting the state government to strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures. According to Health and Family Welfare Secretary G. Veerapandian, four COVID-19-positive patients have died, although all of them had serious pre-existing medical conditions.
The fatalities include three patients from YSR Kadapa district and one from Kakinada district. Health officials emphasized that the deaths occurred among individuals who were already suffering from severe underlying illnesses, and investigations are continuing to determine the role of COVID-19 in each case.
Kadapa Reports the Highest Number of Cases
Of the 12 confirmed infections, eight cases were reported in YSR Kadapa district, making it the most affected district in the state. Guntur reported two cases, while Visakhapatnam and Kakinada recorded one case each.
Officials also confirmed that two infections were detected among individuals who had been in close contact with previously infected patients, indicating limited local transmission.
To identify the circulating COVID-19 variant, the state has sent five virus samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for genome sequencing.
Health Department Issues Emergency Guidelines
In response to the increase in cases, the State Surveillance Wing has issued emergency preparedness guidelines to District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs), Government General Hospitals (GGHs), and teaching hospitals across Andhra Pradesh.
Hospitals have been instructed to:
- Collect and test samples from suspected COVID-19 patients.
- Maintain adequate stocks of RT-PCR testing kits, Viral Transport Medium (VTM) kits, PPE kits, masks, sanitizers, oxygen, and essential medicines.
- Ensure COVID-19 isolation wards remain operational and ready for any increase in patient admissions.
However, officials acknowledged that several hospitals are currently experiencing shortages of VTM kits required for collecting throat and nasal swab samples, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.
Millions of PPE Kits Expired
The Health Department also revealed that approximately 4.5 million PPE kits became unusable after reaching their 2025 expiration date. During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the state had procured around 75 million PPE kits to meet emergency healthcare demands.
Replacing the expired inventory is expected to cost the government up to ₹500 per PPE kit, while several oxygen generation plants established during the pandemic are reportedly no longer in regular use.
Officials Urge Public to Stay Calm
Health Secretary G. Veerapandian urged residents not to panic, stressing that the number of cases remains limited and that the government is closely monitoring the situation. He advised anyone experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and follow recommended preventive measures.
According to the department, the first COVID-19 case in the current wave was detected in YSR Kadapa district on June 26, followed by 11 additional cases reported between July 1 and July 16.
National COVID-19 Situation
Officials also noted that approximately 339 COVID-19 cases have been reported across India during the current period. Kerala has recorded the highest number with 115 cases, followed by Karnataka (64), Maharashtra (43), and Tamil Nadu (39).
Health authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation and have advised the public to remain vigilant while following basic health precautions as surveillance efforts continue nationwide.
