All ministers scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been asked to undergo an RT-PCR test, media reports claimed, as the number of active cases has crossed the 7,000 mark in the country.

The precautionary measure comes ahead of a key meeting at the Prime Minister's residence this evening, which will be attended by BJP functionaries from Delhi, including the Chief Minister. As per protocol, all attendees must present a negative RT-PCR test report before the meeting.

The requirement extends to public events as well. As per media reports, any officials sharing the stage with PM Modi during rallies must also undergo RT-PCR testing and show proof of a negative result.

India's Active Covid-19 Cases Cross 7,000 Mark

The active cases of COVID-19 have crossed the 7,000 mark amid a spike driven by emerging variants. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country currently has 7,121 active infections, while 8,573 patients have recovered and been discharged.

Delhi has reported 757 active cases, including 66 fresh infections recorded in the last 24 hours. The national capital also saw 90 patients recovering during this period.

Kerala Sees Highest COVID-19 Cases

Kerala recorded the sharpest spike, adding 170 new cases to reach a total of 2,223 active infections. Gujarat followed with 114 new cases, and Karnataka reported 100. Health officials have linked the surge to multiple new subvariants, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1.

In the past 24 hours, six new COVID-related fatalities have been reported across the country. Kerala recorded three of these deaths, Karnataka reported two, and Maharashtra logged one. With these additions, the total number of COVID-19 deaths reported since January 2025 has risen to 74.

The death reported in Maharashtra involved a 43-year-old man who presented severe symptoms including breathlessness, abdominal pain, distress, tachycardia, and cyanosis. Health authorities said the patient had a compromised immune system, making him particularly vulnerable to complications.

The Ministry has urged states to monitor variant trends closely and step up testing and surveillance. Citizens have been advised to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, particularly in crowded places and during travel, as the virus continues to evolve and spread.