Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said on Monday that the new covid variants currently roaming in the city are causing mild symptoms only as regular viral fever, and there is no reason for public concern at this time.

Singh told PTI, “There is no need to worry. Kovid caused by the new version is similar to a common viral disease. Patients who have come so far are experiencing mild symptoms like fever, cough and cold.”

So far, Delhi has 104 active Kovid cases, but no large hospital is reported to be hospitalized.

The minister said that while the government has issued health advice to hospitals in Delhi, this is just a precautionary measure and is not a sign of any emergency.

“We have advised hospitals to be prepared with beds, oxygen, essential medicines and equipment, just in case. It is part of standard preparations, not because the situation is serious,” he said.

He said that all government hospitals, doctors and medical staff are fully equipped and are ready to react if the situation changes.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Singh also said that there is no need to panic, saying that the hospitals are well equipped to deal with the increasing cases.

“We have a description of Covid-19 cases. Our hospitals have all the facilities. We have also issued an advice,” he said.

What are the new variants?

According to INSACOG data, two new Covid sub-variants-nb.1.8.1 and LF.7- have been detected in India.

Both belong to the JN.1 variants, which is currently the most common stress in the country and an account for 53% of all indexed covid samples.

These sub-variants are closely seen by the World Health Organization (WHO), but have not yet been classified as serious hazards. The WHO currently labels them as a variant under surveillance, which means they have mutations that can affect how the virus spreads or avoids immunity, but more evidence is required.

Preliminary studies suggest that nb.1.8.1 and LF.7 can spread more easily and may be better to avoid immune system than older variants. For example, nb.1.8.1 spikes carries specific mutation in protein that can increase the ability to infect and spread.

However, experts emphasize that the disease caused by these variants looks light.

Kolkata said, “Most of the cases remain light with low hospitalized rates.” He said that the increase in cases could be due to fading immunity, lack of booster shots and better testing systems.

The health officers continue to monitor the situation closely, but for now, the attention remains on preparations rather than nervous. The public is advised to follow basic hygiene and be updated with official guidelines.