COVID-19 cases surge in Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and other states; health officials on alert
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
COVID-19 cases surge in Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and other states; health officials on alert
India is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with the Union Health Ministry reporting 275 active infections across India as of May 25, 2025. The majority of these cases are mild and are controlled through home officials, as per health officials. Kerala has been recorded to have the highest cases with 95 new active cases. Tamil Nadu is in the second slot with 66 cases, and Maharashtra is in third place with 56 cases. No major breakout has been reported, but health authorities have urged citizens to remain alert. Although the COVID cases in India have been considered of mild nature, recent deaths have also been reported.
Total covid cases in India
As per the latest update, India currently has 257 active cases.
According to Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, the current situation does not call for panic. While speaking to ANI, he stated, “At the moment, the situation is under control. There are, at most, sporadic cases, which are also rare. Even the present cases are managed very easily.’” He further added, “They are not being hospitalised. This is what we were expecting, that when COVID happened, it would remain a seasonal flu which could be treated very easily. The situation is not one of panic.”
State-wise active COVID-19 cases updates
As per the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a gradual spike in active COVID-19 cases across many states between May 12 and May 19. Kerala has been recorded to have the highest cases, with 95 new active cases. Tamil Nadu is in the second slot with 66 cases, and Maharashtra is in third place with 56 cases
Kerala-95
Tamil Nadu-66
Maharashtra-56
Delhi-5
Gujarat-7
Haryana-1
Karnataka-13
Puducherry-10
Rajasthan-2
Sikkim-1
West Bengal-1
Covid-19 deaths cases
Although the COVID cases in India have been considered of mild nature, recent deaths have also been reported. In Maharashtra’s Thane district, a 21-year-old patient with diabetes passed away because of the virus, marking the second COVID-19-related death in the state. Moreover, Karnataka also recorded the death of an 84-year-old patient who died with multiple comorbidities in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, two new COVID-19 variants- NB. 1.8.1 and LF.7 have been reported in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Though neither of them has been termed as a variant of concern, both are being closely studied by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the WHO.
Despite the situation being manageable, the Union Health Ministry has suggested basic precautions. Wearing masks in crowded places, by regularly maintaining hand hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary travel if there are symptoms.
LIVE | COVID-19 Cases Rising In India: Kerala Reports HIGHEST Active Cases, Check State-Wise Tally
Covid dashboard shows 257 active cases across the country as of May 19. India has recorded one case of the newly emerging Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type. Singapore has seen a 28% rise in weekly cases, and Hong Kong reported 31 COVID-related deaths, marking its highest in a year. Experts caution against complacency, urging Indians to follow safety protocols, especially in high-risk areas.
As per INSACOG data, India has recorded one case of the newly emerging Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type. As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. But these are the variants that are reportedly driving the rise in COVID-19 cases in China and parts of Asia.
The most common variant remains JN.1, with 53 per cent of positive cases belonging to the category. One case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu, and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May, INSACOG data shows.
Health officials, including representatives from ICMR and NCDC, emphasised that India’s overall situation remains under control, with no indication of a large-scale resurgence. Enhanced surveillance, early detection, and response mechanisms are in place.
Meanwhile, Singapore has seen a 28% rise in weekly cases, and Hong Kong reported 31 COVID-related deaths, marking its highest in a year. Experts caution against complacency, urging Indians to follow safety protocols, especially in high-risk areas.
Though the current numbers are alarming, continued monitoring, vaccination, and hygiene practices are key to preventing another wave. Stay alert—not alarmed, say health authorities.
Covid-19 cases rise in India: Surge reported in Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka
Several states across India are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, though health officials say most infections are mild and manageable. Authorities in multiple states have begun preparations to ensure the availability of hospital beds, oxygen, and vaccines in case the situation worsens. Karnataka, Delhi, and other states have issued advisories, urging the public to remain calm and avoid panic. India has 257 active COVID -19 cases as of May 19, according to the Union Health Ministry. Despite the increase, health experts maintain that there is no cause for alarm.
India has 257 active COVID-19 cases as of May 19, according to the Union Health Ministry. The ministry also noted that most of these are mild and do not require hospital admission.
However, southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, along with Delhi , Gujarat and Maharashtra, have recorded noticeable uptick in recent days.
Several states including Karnataka and Delhi have released advisories while urging the public to remain calm and avoid panic.
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare following changes were seen in active case numbers since May 12, till 19th May:
Kerala: +69 cases
Maharashtra: +44 cases
Tamil Nadu: +34 cases
Karnataka: +8 cases
Gujarat: +6 cases
Delhi: +3 cases
Despite the increase, health experts maintain that there is no cause for alarm.
Also read: Bengaluru Covid death: 84-year-old man with comorbidities dies after testing positive
“At the moment, the situation is under control. There are, at most, sporadic cases, which are also rare. Even the present cases are being managed very easily,” Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital told ANI on Friday.
Union health secretary reviews situation across states
Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Saturday reviewed the situation following reports of rising cases in several states. According to official sources, most cases continue to be mild and are being managed at home.
While COVID-19 is now treated like other viral illnesses, the Health Ministry has advised people to follow basic precautions such as wearing masks in crowded places, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding large gatherings.
Authorities have stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance. COVID-19 trends are being tracked through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
COVID-19 Cases Rise Again in India: Delhi, Maharashtra, South States Report Spike
Covid New Variants Detected, But No Need to Panic Yet, Say Health Officials. India is once again seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases in several states. The spike is mostly in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and also in Delhi and Maharashtra. Health officials are keeping a close watch and say most cases are mild. Many of these cases are being managed at home and don’t need hospitalisation. The most common COVID variant in India right now is JN.1, found in 53% of sequenced cases. The focus is on quick testing, home isolation, and genome sequencing of samples. There is no current evidence that the new variants are more dangerous. However, surveillance systems like IDSP and ICMR’s virus tracking networks are keeping an eye on things.
India is once again seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases in several states. The spike is mostly in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and also in Delhi and Maharashtra. Health officials are keeping a close watch and say most cases are mild.
What’s Happening Right Now?
In the last few days, more people are testing positive for COVID-19 in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, and Thane. Many of these cases are being managed at home and don’t need hospitalisation. Health experts are saying there is no need to panic.
A high-level review meeting was held by the Union Health Secretary with top health officials from ICMR, DGHS and NCDC to discuss the situation. The focus is on quick testing, home isolation, and genome sequencing of samples.
New COVID-19 Variants Found in India
The NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants have been detected in India. According to INSACOG data:
One NB.1.8.1 case was found in April in Tamil Nadu
Four LF.7 cases were reported in May from Gujarat
Both these variants are listed by WHO as Variants Under Monitoring. They have caused spikes in China and other parts of Asia. However, officials say there is no strong evidence that these are more dangerous or severe than older variants.
The most common COVID variant in India right now is JN.1, found in 53% of sequenced cases. BA.2 makes up 26%, while other Omicron variants account for 20%.
State-Wise Updates You Should Know
Delhi
The national capital saw 23 new cases on Friday, the highest single-day count in nearly three years. All patients are stable and recovering at home. The Delhi government has asked hospitals to stay ready with beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines.
Maharashtra
Thane reported eight new cases on Saturday. A diabetic patient sadly passed away. Currently, there are 18 active cases in Thane alone.
Karnataka
The state has recorded 38 COVID-19 cases so far this year, 32 of them in Bengaluru. A nine-month-old baby tested positive and is now stable. An 84-year-old man with comorbidities passed away recently.
Uttar Pradesh
In Noida, one 55-year-old woman tested positive and is in home isolation. Ghaziabad recorded four new infections and has increased testing and monitoring.
Uttarakhand
AIIMS Rishikesh confirmed three new cases, including a tourist from Gujarat and a woman doctor. Officials said these were not local transmissions. With the Chardham Yatra happening, health teams have been sent along the route and genome sequencing has begun.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Andhra reported four new cases – three in Visakhapatnam and one in Rayalaseema. Telangana logged one case from Hyderabad, where the patient, a pulmonologist, has recovered.
What the Government is Saying
The Health Ministry has said that most cases are mild and manageable through home care. Recent deaths were linked to other health problems, not the virus itself. There is no current evidence that the new variants are more dangerous. However, surveillance systems like IDSP and ICMR’s virus tracking networks are keeping an eye on things.
Should We Be Worried?
Officials have made it clear: the situation is under control. There’s no reason to panic, but people are advised to stay alert. Mild symptoms like fever, cold, or cough should be reported. Also, it’s important to follow basic safety like handwashing, masking in crowded places, and staying home if unwell.
Also Read: “20,000 Indians Killed in Terrorist Attacks”: India Slams Pakistan at UN
FAQs
Most Covid-19 infections ‘mild’: Health ministry urges vigilance as new variant JN.1 detected
As of May 19, India has 257 active COVID-19 cases, most of which are mild and require no hospitalisation. The country continues to monitor respiratory illnesses through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR. A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Karnataka’s Belagavi district has tested positive for CO VID-19, making it the first confirmed case in the region. One case of the newly emerging variant NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type have been detected in India, according to INSACOG data. A man with serious underlying health conditions passed away in Bengaluru, and his COVID.19 test came back positive on Saturday. The city currently has 18 active cases with only one patient in hospital and the remaining remaining individuals in home isolation. The WHO classifies LF. 7 and NB. 1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variant of Concern or Variants of Interest.
“The majority of these cases are mild and being managed through home isolation. However, the Union Health Ministry continues to stay alert and is actively monitoring the situation through its various agencies,” the sources told PTI.
Cases have recently been reported from states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Authorities emphasised that a robust, nationwide surveillance system is in place to monitor respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR’s sentinel surveillance network.
Most COVID-19 cases are mild in India: Report Most of the COVID-19 cases reported in various states are mild in nature and the patients are under home care, official sources said amid a rise in cases in some countries, PTI reported citing official sources.
“It may also be mentioned that there have been some media reports regarding increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries in the recent past. It has been ascertained from the respective National IHR focal points that there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to the previously circulating variants,” the source told PTI.
Active COVID-19 cases in India? According to the Union Health Ministry, as of May 19, India has 257 active COVID-19 cases, most of which are mild and require no hospitalisation. The country continues to monitor respiratory illnesses through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR.
Types of variant detected in India One case of the newly emerging COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type have been detected in India, according to INSACOG data.
As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. But these are the variants that are reportedly driving the rise in Covid cases in China and parts of Asia.
According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May.
Take a look at the COVID-19 cases in other states: Karnataka A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Karnataka’s Belagavi district has tested positive for COVID-19, making it the first confirmed case in the region, according to district health officials on Saturday.
“There is no alarming situation. There has been a slight increase in COVID-19 cases. In our state, this year we have had 35 cases of COVID. We have seen a slight increase in the last 15 days, and we have a technical advisory committee which met yesterday and issued an advisory to our people that those who have got severe acute respiratory illnesses should get themselves tested,” the health minister told reporters in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru: An 84-year-old man with serious underlying health conditions passed away in Bengaluru, and his COVID-19 test came back positive on Saturday, according to health officials. The state has reported 38 COVID-19 cases so far, with 32 of them occurring in Bengaluru, the health department said.
Uttarakhand Two COVID-19 cases have been detected in Rishikesh, according to an official statement. State Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar emphasised that there is no cause for concern at this time, noting that both individuals contracted the virus outside the state.
He added, “The situation is under close observation and that genome sequencing has been ordered to identify any potential new variants of the virus.”
Delhi All 23 recent COVID-19 patients in Delhi experienced only mild symptoms and were under home quarantine, said the health officials in the Delhi government, PTI reported.
Maharashtra
The majority of these cases are mild and being managed through home isolation.
In Thane city, a COVID-19 patient with severe diabetes died due to comorbidities, while eight new COVID-19 cases were reported on Saturday, according to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The city currently has 18 active cases, with only one patient hospitalised and the remaining individuals in home isolation.
India Sees Uptick in Covid Cases, New Variants Detected: Key Updates You Need to Know
Delhi reported 23 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, the first such tally in nearly three years. India has detected one case of the emerging variant NB.1.8.1 and four cases of LF.7. Most infections remain mild and are being managed through home isolation. The early arrival of the monsoon could impact viral spread, with some areas seeing power outages and waterlogging due to heavy rains. Authorities across the affected states emphasize vigilance but urge the public not to panic. Regular updates and proactive measures are being taken to manage the situation. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and urges the public to remain vigilant. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.
While most infections remain mild, states like Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra brace for a possible surge amid the detection of new variants LF.7 and NB.1.8.1.
May 25, 2025: India is witnessing a rise in Covid-19 cases in several states, prompting health officials to review preparedness measures, including bed availability, oxygen supplies, and vaccination drives. Among the states reporting cases are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi, which logged 23 infections on Friday — the first such tally in nearly three years.
Also Read: Health Alert! Delhi Reports 23 New Covid Cases: What’s Behind the Sudden Rise?
According to INSACOG data, India has detected one case of the emerging variant NB.1.8.1 and four cases of LF.7. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified these as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern or Interest. Still, they’re contributing to rising case numbers in China and parts of Asia.
Also Read: After the Rains- Delhi Faces Severe Waterlogging, Flights at IGI Airport Disrupted
– Advertisement –
Key Points:
✅ Most Cases Mild:
Official sources told ANI that most infections remain mild and are being managed through home isolation. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation.
✅ Delhi on Alert:
Delhi’s government has advised hospitals to be ready with beds, oxygen, and medicines after reporting 23 new Covid-19 cases.
Also Read: ‘Feels Like Shimla’: Delhites React as Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Lash Delhi-NCR
✅ Karnataka Update:
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured that there is no cause for alarm. The state recorded 35 Covid cases so far this year, with a slight uptick over the past two weeks. Bengaluru also reported an 84-year-old man’s death and a nine-month-old baby testing positive.
✅ Haryana Measures:
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that although the state has just four active cases, steps are in place to manage any spike.
✅ Maharashtra’s Situation:
Thane reported a death and eight new cases, with one patient hospitalized and the rest in home isolation.
✅ UP’s Cases:
In Noida, a 55-year-old woman is in home quarantine, while Ghaziabad has four new infections, leading to intensified surveillance.
✅ Uttarakhand Reports:
AIIMS Rishikesh has reported three cases. One patient has been discharged, and another is in isolation.
✅ Telangana and Andhra Pradesh:
Hyderabad recorded one recovered case, while Andhra Pradesh logged four new cases across Visakhapatnam and Rayalaseema.
The IMD also reported that the early arrival of the monsoon could impact viral spread, with some areas seeing power outages and waterlogging due to heavy rains.
Final Note:
Authorities across the affected states emphasize vigilance but urge the public not to panic. Regular updates and proactive measures are being taken to manage the situation.
Tags:
Covid-19 India, New Covid Variants, LF.7 variant, NB.1.8.1 variant, mild Covid cases, Delhi Covid advisory, Karnataka Covid update, Maharashtra Covid deaths, health ministry Covid update, India Covid news