COVID-19 Cases Rise in Dehradun as India Strengthens Preparedness; IIT Guwahati Develops New Detection Method

Dehradun, June 7, 2025 : Seven new COVID-19 cases were reported in Dehradun on Friday, bringing the district’s total tally to 29. According to the Health Department, infections were detected in three individuals from Rishikesh, one from Sahaspur, and three from the Raipur area. Out of 25 people tested, seven returned positive results.

Authorities are actively tracing contacts of the infected patients to prevent further spread. This localized surge comes amid a broader national uptick in cases.

As of 8 AM on June 7, India has recorded 5,364 active COVID-19 cases. While most are mild and managed under home care, 55 COVID-related deaths have been reported this year, primarily among individuals with co-morbid conditions.

To evaluate the country’s preparedness, high-level technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 under the leadership of Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Attendees included representatives from the Disaster Management Cell, EMR Cell, NCDC, ICMR, IDSP, central government hospitals, and officials from all States and Union Territories.

States have been directed to maintain adequate oxygen supply, availability of isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. A nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 2 to assess oxygen infrastructure, including PSA plants, LMO tanks, and MGPS lines.

In a parallel scientific breakthrough, researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a novel method for detecting and quantifying SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The method is based on sedimentation dynamics of a clay-virus-electrolyte mixture. This innovative technique offers a potential alternative to conventional detection tools.

The research, authored by Prof. T.V. Bharat (Department of Civil Engineering) and Prof. Sachin Kumar (Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering), along with Dr. Himanshu Yadav and Deepa Mehta, has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Clay Science.