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Between June 26 and July 16, 12 cases of Covid-19 were reported from various districts. Three of the deceased were from Kadapa in Rayalaseema while the fourth person was from Kakinada in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

One of the patients from Kadapa was reportedly undergoing treatment at the Christian Medical College Vellore. The Kakinada death, as per local reports, was of a girl.

Samples collected from patients were sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for genome sequencing and identification of the Covid variant.

After the devastating Covid-19 waves of 2020, 2021 and early 2022, driven by the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus, and the subsequent nationwide vaccination programme, Covid cases in India ebbed. Infections dropped significantly by March 2022. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has reported 533,000 Covid-19 deaths since the pandemic struck the country in early 2020.

Andhra Pradesh reported its first Covid case this year in Kadapa on June 26, followed by another 11 cases, out of the 68 persons who underwent testing. Kadapa district accounted for eight infections, Guntur two, and Visakhapatnam and Kakinada one each. Two of the infected persons were found to be in close contact with already infected patients.

State health officials said the cases were from different areas and not concentrated, allaying fears among the public. Three of the patients are in home isolation, two in hospitals while three have been discharged after recovery.

Veerapandian told INDIA TODAY detection of Covid-19 cases had become a regular feature. “Covid-19 cases are reported often in all hospitals. In Andhra Pradesh, there is no panic situation,” he said, adding that the government has kept doctors, hospitals and health personnel on alert.

“People need not panic at all. However, it is advised to take some precautionary measures, such as wearing of masks and avoiding crowded places, just like what was followed during the pandemic,” Veerapandian said.

According to health officials, India reported 339 Covid-19 cases since July 1—the highest tally is Kerala’s (115). Karnataka has detected 64 cases, Maharashtra 43, Tamil Nadu 39, Delhi 18 and Rajasthan 12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands has reported 18 cases, which is more than Andhra Pradesh’s.