May 28, 2025
India is experiencing a mild uptick in COVID-19 cases, with active cases climbing to 1,010 from 257 just a week ago on May 19. While this rise has sparked concern, the situation remains manageable, with most cases being mild and no significant surge in hospitalizations. This article explores the current spread of COVID-19 in India, assesses the severity of the situation, and outlines recommended precautions, drawing on the latest data and expert insights.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s COVID-19 dashboard, India recorded 1,010 active cases as of May 26, 2025, with 752 new cases and 7 deaths reported in the past week, alongside 305 recoveries. The highest numbers are in Kerala (430 cases), Maharashtra (209 cases), and Delhi (104 cases). Recent updates highlight ongoing detections, including 66 new cases in Maharashtra on May 27, with Mumbai accounting for nearly half, and a 25-year-old testing positive in Punjab’s Ferozepur on May 28. Patna reported 10 active cases, while Lucknow confirmed its first case of 2025, linked to the JN.1 sub-variant, with Uttar Pradesh logging 10 new cases in the past 24 hours.
Two new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, have been identified, with one case of NB.1.8.1 in Tamil Nadu in April and four cases of LF.7 in May. Classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) by the World Health Organization (WHO), these variants are not deemed highly transmissible or severe compared to past strains. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) are closely monitoring these developments through a nationwide respiratory virus surveillance network.
This uptick aligns with regional trends, as Singapore and Hong Kong also report rising cases. WHO noted a global test positivity rate of 11%, with NB.1.8.1 spreading rapidly, though this is a broader trend not unique to India.
With India’s population exceeding 1.4 billion, 1,010 active cases represent a mere 0.00007% of the population, indicating the spread is far from widespread. However, the rapid increase from 257 to 1,010 cases in a week warrants attention. Encouragingly, the absence of a corresponding rise in hospitalizations or severe outcomes suggests the situation is under control.
The new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, are not classified as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs), reducing fears of a severe wave. Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, likened COVID-19 to a seasonal flu, urging calm and stating there is “no emergency,”.
India’s health authorities are taking proactive steps to address the resurgence. The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation screened over 5,000 people for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), finding no positive cases, and reserved a 25-bed ward with oxygen facilities at Jivdani Hospital. Delhi has ensured the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, and medicines, reflecting preparedness. The central government is leveraging ICMR and IDSP surveillance to track variants and case trends.
Vaccination policies have evolved, with COVID-19 vaccines no longer recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, marking a shift from pandemic-era guidelines. High-risk groups, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, are advised to exercise caution, such as wearing masks in crowded areas and seeking prompt medical care for symptoms.
Public health guidance emphasizes calm and basic precautions. The public is urged to maintain hygiene, avoid crowded places if symptomatic, and seek medical attention if conditions worsen.
India’s rise in COVID-19 cases, signals a mild resurgence but not a crisis. The predominance of mild cases, absence of significant hospitalizations, and ongoing government monitoring indicate the situation is under control. While new variants and regional trends warrant close observation, the current evidence suggests no cause for alarm. By maintaining basic precautions and staying informed, the public can help ensure this resurgence remains manageable.
