India is experiencing a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 3,961 active cases as of June 2, 2025, a sharp rise from 257 cases on May 22. The surge, attributed to new Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1, LF.7, XFG, and JN.1, has prompted heightened vigilance across the country, though health authorities emphasize that the situation remains manageable.
State-Wise Breakdown in India
- Kerala leads with 1,400 active cases as of June 1, reporting five deaths since January 2025. The state has seen 338 recoveries, with most cases managed under home isolation.
- Maharashtra follows with 485 active cases and seven deaths in 2025, three since May 19. Mumbai alone reported 346 cases in May, averaging 11 daily, with 36 new cases on May 28.
- Delhi recorded 436 active cases by June 1, with two deaths since January, including a 60-year-old woman with comorbidities. The city saw 294 new cases by May 30.
- Karnataka reported 171 cases in 2025, with 100 active as of May 28 and one death. The state’s test positivity rate rose to 10.12% on May 28, with 40 new cases reported that day.
- Other States: Tamil Nadu (34 cases in a week), Odisha (four cases in 2025), and Punjab (first case in Ferozepur) have also reported infections. Haryana has no deaths, with all patients under home isolation.
Nationwide, 32 deaths have been reported in 2025, primarily among individuals with comorbidities, with a total of 1,170 recoveries. Symptoms remain mild, linked to the new variants’ higher transmissibility but low severity, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) urges caution for those with low immunity but advises against panic. States are enhancing testing and hospital preparedness, with Karnataka issuing school reopening guidelines for June.
Global Context: Rising Cases in South Asia and Beyond
Globally, COVID-19 cases have been rising since mid-February 2025, with 91,583 cases reported in the 28 days before May 11. The WHO notes an 11% test positivity rate, with surges in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. Countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand have reported significant increases, prompting mask-wearing advisories. The new subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, under WHO monitoring, are driving the surge but pose low global health risks due to mild symptoms.
Health Ministry Response and Public Sentiment
The Union Health Secretary reviewed the situation recently noting that most cases are mild and managed at home. A Group of Ministers (GoM) is set to meet in early June to address the rise. Despite the surge, officials, including Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, stressed that the situation is under control, with ample vaccine stockpiles ready.
While India and parts of South Asia face a resurgence of COVID-19 driven by new Omicron subvariants, the low severity of cases and robust health measures provide reassurance. Authorities urge vigilance, particularly for vulnerable groups, as they continue to monitor the evolving situation. Citizens are advised to resume mask-wearing and follow local guidelines to curb the spread.
