COVID Surge in Gujarat: 20 New Cases in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — COVID-19 is once again raising alarm bells across Gujarat. With a sharp uptick in cases, health authorities have swung into action. In the past 24 hours alone, Ahmedabad city has reported 20 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the total number of active cases to 31.

The resurgence, though moderate in scale, is causing widespread concern due to the reappearance of symptoms such as fever, cough, and cold, often dismissed as common seasonal ailments. “The virus is circulating again. People need to remain cautious and avoid taking symptoms lightly,” warned Dr. Mihir Patel, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

Among the newly infected are an 84-year-old man, currently under hospital care, and a 20-year-old girl admitted to Sola Civil Hospital. The young woman arrived with breathing difficulties and is now on oxygen support. Most other patients are in home isolation under close monitoring by health workers.

Health officials have also confirmed fresh cases from Kadi and Rajkot, signaling the virus’s spread beyond urban clusters. In Rajkot’s New Omnagar area, a 43-year-old man has tested positive and is under home isolation. In Kadi taluka of Mehsana, a young animal husbandry worker was admitted to a private hospital with fever and cold; he tested positive on suspicion and has since been isolated. Notably, this is the second COVID case in Kadi within two days.

“This is not the time to panic, but we cannot afford to be careless either,” said a health official from Mehsana. “Testing, tracing, and isolating are back in full force.”

With 40 cases already reported in May, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has reactivated isolation wards in SVP, Shardaben, and LG hospitals.

A statewide preparedness campaign has been reignited. In Ahmedabad, the Civil Hospital has readied a 1200-bed facility, equipped with two 20,000-litre oxygen tanks. Rajkot Civil Hospital has set up a 20-bed special ward, while Vadodara’s Sayaji Hospital has 22 beds reserved. Surat Civil Hospital has prepped emergency activation of its COVID ward if needed.

“We’re not taking any chances. Oxygen, ventilators, PPE kits—all are being stocked again,” said Dr. Renu Desai, an AMC health officer.

With cases creeping up and memories of previous waves still fresh, medical experts are urging the public to mask up in crowded places, maintain hygiene, and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms appear. “We’ve seen what complacency can cost. Let’s not repeat that,” added Dr. Patel.

The Gujarat government is expected to issue new health advisories if the trend continues upward. For now, vigilance is the best defense.