India has been witnessing a steady rise in daily COVID-19 cases that may stop the recovery momentum and resurgence in economic activity. Multiple reports have shown an increasing pattern in COVID numbers, often confused with flu symptoms in the ongoing monsoon season.

The confusion is caused by the similarity in the critical differentiator between COVID-19 infection and flu – the loss of smell and taste – which has been mitigated with the emergence of the Omicron variant. Hence, several health experts have advised people to exercise caution and get tested for COVID-19 infection in case of flu-like symptoms.

On Friday, India observed a minor uptick in infection numbers and COVID fatalities on the daily tracker. Also, a drop of over 1,114 infections was reported, which brought the number of active cases down to 1,35,364. However, the major cause of concern is the rise in the daily positivity rate. The positivity rate is a significant cause of concern at present, with India’s positivity rate standing at 5.14%. Delhi has now become an active COVID hotspot. On Thursday, the National Capital recorded the positivity rate at 11.84%. Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra are some of the regions that are reporting flu infections as well as COVID cases.