India Reports 30 COVID-19 Deaths Amid Pirola Variant Spread; Mumbai Officials Clarify KEM Hospital Cases, Urge Calm

India is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, driven by the new Pirola variant, which has led to increased concern about the potential for renewed lockdowns. Reports indicate a surge in infections and deaths attributed to COVID-19, with some sources citing 30 deaths. However, officials in Mumbai have clarified that two recent deaths at KEM Hospital involved patients who tested positive for COVID-19 but died primarily due to pre-existing serious health conditions, including oral cancer and nephrotic syndrome. Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasized that these deaths were caused by comorbidities rather than COVID-19 itself.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged the public not to panic, stating there is no need for alarm despite the presence of COVID-19 cases in May. Experts continue to monitor the situation closely as symptoms like fever, cough, and respiratory distress prompt caution across the country. The resurgence has raised questions about the severity of the outbreak and the possibility of imposing new restrictions.