KKN Gurugram Desk | Patna, the capital city of Bihar, is witnessing a slow yet concerning rise in COVID-19 cases once again. After months of relative calm, fresh infections are being reported from different areas of the city. As per official data, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Patna has now surpassed 20, triggering concerns within the health administration and among local residents.

New Cases Detected in Gardanibagh, Gaighat, and Patliputra

On Wednesday, three new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Patna. These patients are residents of different localities—Gardanibagh, Gaighat, and Patliputra. According to Dr. Avinash Kumar Singh, Civil Surgeon of Patna district, the current number of active cases stands at 22. He also confirmed that 11 patients have recovered so far, indicating a mixed trajectory in terms of recovery and new infections.

Hospital-wise Distribution: NMCH and AIIMS Patna See New Admissions

Dr. Singh reported that the new infections include patients from both government and private medical facilities:

• 10 cases were identified at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH)

• 6 cases emerged from AIIMS Patna

• The remaining cases were reported through private laboratories, indicating a broader community spread.

Although all infected individuals are reportedly in stable condition, the clustering of cases in key urban areas has prompted a renewed health alert.

Health Department Shifts to High Alert Mode

With the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Bihar Health Department has moved into an alert mode. While the infection count is still relatively low compared to previous waves, health officials are taking no chances. Testing, contact tracing, and isolation protocols have been reinforced to prevent further spread.

Surveillance Intensified in Urban Localities

The city’s civic authorities, along with state surveillance units, are now focusing on:

• Increased testing in high-risk zones like hospitals, markets, and congested neighborhoods.

• Ensuring that mild and asymptomatic patients remain under home isolation with regular follow-ups.

• Providing booster vaccinations to high-risk individuals, especially the elderly and immunocompromised.

No Signs of a New Variant Yet, But Genomic Surveillance Continues

So far, there has been no confirmation of a new COVID-19 variant among the patients. However, medical experts are not ruling out possibilities. Genomic sequencing of samples from active cases is underway to detect any mutations or variant strains.

Public Health Advisory Issued

Authorities are urging citizens to continue following COVID-appropriate behavior, including:

• Wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces

• Practicing hand hygiene

• Avoiding unnecessary gatherings

• Getting tested immediately in case of symptoms like cough, fever, or fatigue

In addition, people have been advised to complete their vaccination doses, including any eligible booster shots, to reduce the risk of severe infection.

Bihar’s COVID-19 Situation: A Broader View

Patna is not the only district in Bihar witnessing a rise in cases. Neighboring cities such as Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur have also reported sporadic COVID-19 infections, although the numbers remain in single digits.

Bihar’s health authorities are coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure consistent updates on containment strategies and to make necessary medical arrangements like oxygen supplies, ICU beds, and antiviral drugs.

Impact on Daily Life and Public Sentiment

While there is no panic among the public as seen during earlier waves, there is a growing sense of caution. Many educational institutions and workplaces have started reinforcing remote working and hybrid learning models in case the situation escalates.

Markets and malls in Patna have also started sanitization drives and are considering limiting entry for non-masked visitors. Public transport operators have been advised to ensure mask usage among drivers and commuters.

The return of COVID-19 cases to Patna serves as a reminder that the pandemic, though currently under control, is not entirely over. With the possibility of seasonal spikes and unpredictable variants, continued vigilance is key.

The Health Department is confident that early action and community cooperation can prevent a full-blown outbreak. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, get vaccinated, and follow public health guidelines as the situation develops.