As India witnesses a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases, RT-PCR tests have been made mandatory for ministers and leaders scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources told India Today TV. The move comes amid growing concern after active cases in the country crossed the 7,000 mark today.
About 70 BJP functionaries from Delhi, including Delhi Chief Minister, the city’s seven MPs, MLAs, and other leaders scheduled to meet PM Modi at his residence this evening at 7:30 pm for a post-election dinner, will have to undergo the test as a precautionary measure.
This decision follows a spike in daily COVID-19 infections, with the Union Health Ministry reporting 306 new cases and six deaths in the past 24 hours. Among the deaths, Kerala recorded three, while Maharashtra and Karnataka reported one and two, respectively.
Kerala continues to see the highest daily surge, with 170 new cases, taking its active caseload past 2,000. Other major contributors include:
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Gujarat: 114 new cases, 1,223 active cases
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Karnataka: 100 new cases
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Delhi: 66 new cases, with a total caseload now at 757
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West Bengal also shows an upward trend
In response, the Centre has launched mock drills across hospitals nationwide to assess preparedness and resource availability. States have been directed to ensure adequate stockpiling of oxygen, ventilators, isolation beds, and essential COVID drugs.
Despite the rise, officials maintain that most new cases are mild, and there is no immediate cause for alarm if basic precautions are followed. The testing protocol for high-level meetings, including the one at the PM's residence, reflects a cautious yet proactive approach.
