Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, May 28: In response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India driven by newly identified Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, the Department of Health of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), known also as the exile Tibetan government, has issued an urgent advisory urging caution and preventive measures within Tibetan settlements across India.
The notice, dated May 26, 2025, follows official reports from Indian news media and a notification from the Himachal Pradesh government to its healthcare institutions. These developments come amid the spread of a new COVID-19 variant in parts of China, India, and other Asian countries.
Although the CTA’s Health Department stated that the disease is “not in a critical state,” it emphasized the need for heightened vigilance in Tibetan communities to prevent the potential spread of the virus. The notice particularly urged caution among vulnerable groups, including unvaccinated individuals, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and people with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at greater risk of severe infection.
The symptoms of the new subvariants are said to resemble those of earlier COVID-19 strains, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and difficulty swallowing. The Department of Health stressed the importance of promptly informing the public should such symptoms arise, to avoid confusion and ensure swift action.
“Please take note of this matter,” the statement concluded, reinforcing the call for proactive health monitoring and transparent communication within Tibetan communities.
As of now, India has recorded over 1,000 active COVID-19 cases, with Kerala reporting 430 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 210 and Delhi with 104, marking these states as hotspots. The rise in cases has also led to at least seven reported deaths within the past week, mostly among elderly individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
