Is Covid Making A Comeback? What Andhra Pradesh's Deaths And Fresh Cases Really Mean
Is Covid Making A Comeback? What Andhra Pradesh's Deaths And Fresh Cases Really Mean Written By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 13:47 IST Experts point
Is Covid Making A Comeback? What Andhra Pradesh's Deaths And Fresh Cases Really Mean Written By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 13:47 IST Experts point out that Covid has now become an endemic virus, which continues to circulate at low levels, occasionally causing localised spikes, much like influenza Rapid Read According to doctors, India is seeing localised outbreaks and sporadic cases instead of a broad-based outbreak throughout the country. (AI-Generated Image) For many Indians, Covid-19 had become a thing of the past. But a cluster of fresh cases, two Covid-linked deaths in Andhra Pradesh, heightened surveillance in neighbouring Odisha and renewed advisories from doctors have brought back a familiar question: Is Covid making a comeback? The short answer is not in the way it did during the pandemic. Health experts say there is no evidence of a nationwide surge, but they also caution that the virus has never truly disappeared. Instead, Covid-19 has become endemic, continuing to circulate at low levels and occasionally causing localised spikes, particularly among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Why Is Covid Back In The News? The immediate trigger is Andhra Pradesh, where officials have confirmed two Covid-related deaths in Kadapa district along with a small number of active cases. According to state health authorities, both deceased patients were elderly and had multiple comorbidities, making them more vulnerable to severe illness. The developments prompted neighbouring Odisha to step up surveillance, particularly in Ganjam district, which shares a border with Andhra Pradesh.
With lakhs of devotees expected to attend the Jagannath Rath Yatra, health authorities have intensified monitoring, strengthened testing preparedness and advised district officials to remain vigilant. ALSO READ | Covid Back In Mumbai Along With Swine Flu, Viral Infections: Delayed Monsoon To Blame? Explained Adding to public attention, singer Kumar Sanu’s son, Jaan Kumar Sanu, also recently tested positive for Covid-19, highlighting that infections continue to occur even if they no longer dominate headlines. Is India Seeing Another Covid Wave? Not at present. According to doctors, India is seeing localised outbreaks and sporadic cases instead of a broad-based outbreak throughout the country. There has not been any spike in hospitalisation rates nor have there been any pressures on the health system, which had been observed in previous waves. Experts point out that Covid has now become an endemic virus, which continues to circulate at low levels, occasionally causing localised spikes, much like influenza. That means occasional increases in cases are expected and do not necessarily signal the beginning of a major nationwide outbreak. Why Are Most Serious Cases Still Among The Elderly? Doctors say the pattern has remained largely unchanged. People at the highest risk include senior citizens, those with diabetes, heart disease patients, people with chronic lung disease, cancer patients, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Even if infections are generally milder than during earlier waves, these groups remain vulnerable to severe disease and complications. What Are The Symptoms This Time?
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