Shimla, June 4: After nearly two and a half years of lull, Covid-19 has made a comeback in Himachal Pradesh, prompting the state government to issue fresh advisories and step up its health surveillance.
The first confirmed case in this fresh wave has been reported from Nahan, where an 82-year-old woman from Sarahan village (Pachhad assembly constituency) tested positive for the virus.
The elderly woman was brought to Nahan Medical College for a routine check-up.
She underwent a rapid antigen test, which came back positive. This incident has triggered alarm bells across the state, especially as neighboring Punjab has already witnessed a spike in Covid-19 cases.
State Swings into Action
The Himachal Pradesh government has gone into alert mode. A new advisory has been issued by the National Health Mission (NHM), Himachal Pradesh, making masks mandatory for everyone entering hospital premises across the state.
With the increase in Covid-19 cases reported in various parts of the country, including North India, health authorities fear a possible spread of infection within the state.
In response, the Health Department has directed all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), Government Medical College Principals, and Superintendents of Hospitals to:
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Maintain high levels of vigilance
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Closely monitor the evolving situation
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Ensure preventive measures are in place
Government Advisory Highlights
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Wearing face masks is mandatory in all hospital premises—for patients, attendants, staff, and visitors.
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Social distancing must be followed, especially in crowded and closed public spaces.
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People with flu-like symptoms are advised to get tested and avoid unnecessary travel.
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Healthcare workers have been asked to reinitiate basic Covid protocols including use of PPE kits in sensitive areas.
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Authorities have been told to stock up on essential medicines, oxygen cylinders, and prepare isolation wards in advance.
Precautionary Measures for Citizens
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Avoid crowded places, especially if elderly or immuno-compromised.
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Use masks in indoor public areas and maintain hand hygiene.
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Stay updated with government advisories and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
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Get vaccinated or take booster doses as per eligibility.
Nationwide Snapshot
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ICMR (as of June 4, 2025), there has been a gradual rise in Covid-19 cases across India, though hospitalizations remain low.
States like Punjab, Delhi, and Maharashtra have reported clusters of cases, prompting renewed focus on genomic surveillance.
The ICMR has also advised states to resume random testing at airports, and health departments have been instructed to ramp up RT-PCR testing in symptomatic cases.
Himachal may have reported just one case so far, but health authorities aren’t taking any chances.
With lessons from the past, the state is keen to stay one step ahead. The message from Shimla is clear: vigilance now will prevent a crisis later.
#StayAlert #CovidReturns #MaskUpHimachal #HealthFirst
