Covid-19 cases rise in India: Kerala, Maharashtra report most cases - State-wise updates

Asia is seeing a new surge in Covid-19 cases, mainly driven by the JN.1 Omicron subvariant. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand have reported sharp increases, with hospitalisations up 30% in Singapore and fatalities in Hong Kong at a one-year high. Thailand has recorded over 71,000 cases in 2025, Singapore about 14,200, and Hong Kong 1,042 cases with 31 deaths.

The rise in cases has also boosted demand for Covid-19 test kits across Asia. Despite the surge, most infections remain mild with no unusual severity or mortality. Data from China’s CDC suggests this wave may rival last summer’s peak.

India is seeing a mild rise, but officials say the situation remains under control. The JN.1 variant, along with LF.7 and NB.1.8, drives most infections. Vaccines continue to protect against severe illness, though protection against mild cases may be limited. Authorities urge mask use, hand hygiene, and vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups.

Following media reports of rising cases in Asia, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a high-level review meeting with experts from ICMR, NCDC, EMR, and central hospitals. The review, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, concluded that the situation in India remains under control.

As of May 19, India had only 257 active cases, all classified as mild. No hospitalisations or deaths have been linked to the current uptick. Surveillance remains robust through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR.

Health experts say the JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Pirola strain (BA.2.86), is behind many of the new cases in Asia. In India, this variant has already been detected. While it appears more transmissible and capable of immune evasion, symptoms remain similar to other Omicron strains.

Other variants being monitored include LF.7 and NB 1.8, which are also believed to cause only mild illness.

Kerala has seen the highest number of new infections in India this month, with 182 cases reported in May. Health Minister Veena George has urged caution, especially for high-risk groups, and mandated masks in hospitals.

District-wise, Kottayam reported 57 cases, followed by Ernakulam (34) and Thiruvananthapuram (30). The state has intensified surveillance and urged residents to remain alert but not panic.

Health Advisory

·         Mandatory masks in hospitals

·         High-risk groups advised to wear masks in public

·         RT-PCR testing for symptomatic individuals

·         Healthcare workers must wear masks during duty

Maharashtra has recorded a notable spike in cases this month, especially in Mumbai, which reported 95 cases out of the state's total 106 since January. Two Covid-related deaths have been confirmed — both involving patients with serious comorbidities.

Currently, 52 patients have mild symptoms, and 16 are hospitalised. Testing is being conducted for all patients with influenza-like or severe respiratory symptoms.

The BMC has activated Covid facilities across municipal hospitals, including ICU beds and dedicated Covid wards, and issued an advisory outlining symptoms and prevention tips.

In Pune, 50 beds have been reserved at Naidu Hospital despite having no active Covid-19 cases. The city reported just one case in May, an 87-year-old patient who has since recovered.

Tamil Nadu has reported a rise in cases linked to the ongoing wave in Southeast Asia. In Puducherry, 12 new infections were recorded, while in Chennai, hospitals are seeing a growing share of Covid-positive cases among viral fevers. Some critical surgeries have been delayed to avoid complications.

Public health officials in the state have reassured that no severe cases have been reported but urged continued vigilance, especially in crowded spaces.

Gujarat saw seven new cases in a single day in Ahmedabad — a significant jump in a city that has averaged one case per month.

Karnataka currently has 16 active cases. All patients are in home isolation and under observation, with samples sent for genomic sequencing.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked health officials to stay alert amid rising Covid-19 cases but assured there's no immediate concern in the state.

In a review meeting, he stressed keeping ICU beds, ventilators, and oxygen plants functional, and directed regular testing and maintenance. He also called for preparedness against seasonal diseases like dengue, malaria, and kala-azar.

Adityanath praised health workers for their past efforts and said UP’s healthcare system is fully equipped to handle any situation. No new advisory has been issued by the Centre, he added.

Although the World Health Organisation declared the pandemic over in 2023, Covid-19 remains endemic and continues to show seasonal spikes. Indian health officials and doctors advise the public — especially the elderly and those with chronic conditions — to resume basic precautions such as wearing masks in enclosed spaces and maintaining hygiene.

Doctors also recommend flu vaccinations to reduce the risk and severity of co-infections.

Currently, no states have issued travel restrictions or advisories, and there are no signs of a major coronavirus resurgence. Health experts advise against panic but recommend following basic precautions like wearing masks in crowded places. If your trip is non-essential or for leisure, consider avoiding countries with rising COVID-19 cases and opt for safer destinations instead.

For generally healthy travelers, it is safe to travel while following simple safety measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded areas, and wearing masks in enclosed spaces if needed. Older adults and those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues should be more cautious and may want to postpone non-urgent travel.

It’s wise to avoid traveling to high-risk areas unless you are fully vaccinated and boosted. Notably, this COVID-19 surge is occurring during summer, unlike previous peaks in winter, highlighting the virus’s ability to spread year-round.

While the World Health Organization declared the pandemic over in May 2023, Covid-19 continues to circulate globally. In India, most recent cases are mild, with no major hospitalisations.

Health experts advise vulnerable groups — including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying conditions — to resume basic precautions: wearing masks indoors, frequent handwashing, and avoiding crowded places.

The current uptick is linked to two rapidly spreading Omicron subvariants — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — both descendants of the JN.1 strain, which the WHO has tagged as a “variant of interest.”

These variants have led to a 28% rise in infections in Singapore (week ending May 3, 2025), and a jump in test positivity rates in Hong Kong from 6.21% to 13.66% in four weeks.

Experts point to a combination of factors:

·         Higher transmissibility of new variants

·         Waning immunity from past infections or vaccines

·         Relaxed safety behavior and increased social gatherings

·         Seasonal patterns that may support virus spread

So far, LF.7 and NB.1.8 show similar symptoms to other Omicron variants:

·         Sore throat

·         Mild cough

·         Fatigue

·         Fever

Unlike earlier strains like Delta, these new variants don’t appear to cause loss of taste or smell.

Health authorities continue to recommend booster doses, especially for high-risk individuals. Updated vaccines help prevent severe illness, even if they don’t fully block mild infections.

Basic Covid safety still works:

·         Get vaccinated or boosted, especially if you're high-risk

·         Wear masks in indoor or crowded areas

·         Wash hands regularly

·         Stay home if unwell

The virus is still with us, but with precautions, it can be managed.