Active Covid-19 cases in India have jumped to 3,395, marking a sharp rise over just ten days. Kerala remains the worst affected with 1,336 active infections. Maharashtra (467) and Delhi (375) follow, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 31 May.
In the last 24 hours, 685 fresh infections were logged. Four men — one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh — have died due to Covid-related complications.
Delhi’s toll included a “71-year-old male with pneumonia, septic shock with acute kidney injury,” according to officials. The sharpest daily increase was also recorded in the national capital, where active cases rose by 81 within a day.
Health Ministry: No need to panic, most cases are mild
Despite the sudden spike, health authorities say there’s no reason for alarm. The majority of patients are under home care with only mild symptoms. In fact, 265 people were discharged in the past 24 hours.
Officials from the Union health ministry have stated that the overall Covid-19 situation is being “closely monitored” and that there is “no cause for worry.”
Dr Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), echoed that position:
“We have been closely monitoring the situation. At this moment overall, we should monitor, be vigilant but there is no cause to worry.”
Case count has skyrocketed in 10 days
India reported only 257 active Covid-19 cases on 22 May. By 26 May, the number climbed to 1,010. It has now surged to 3,395 — more than a tenfold increase in just over a week.
Kerala continues to account for over a third of the country’s active cases. Maharashtra and Delhi also report high numbers, while states like Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117) are also seeing steady climbs.
Delhi issues hospital advisory amid rising numbers
In light of the growing numbers, the Delhi government issued a detailed advisory on 23 May. Hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies — oxygen, medicines, beds, and functioning life-support equipment including ventilators and BiPAP machines.
The advisory is part of a broader set of measures being adopted by state governments across India to stay prepared.
New sub-variants identified in India’s West and South
The recent surge in cases has coincided with the detection of new sub-variants of the Omicron strain. These include LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1.
Dr Behl confirmed that these were identified through genome sequencing conducted in southern and western India.
“The variants leading to the current rise in cases are not severe and are sub-variants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1. The first three have been found in more number of cases,” he said.
The World Health Organization has labelled these strains as “Variants Under Monitoring,” not “Variants of Concern” — which suggests they are not yet considered to pose a serious global threat.
Should you be worried? Here’s what to know
While the new sub-variants are more transmissible than earlier strains, they have not shown signs of causing more severe illness. Their quick spread has been noted in countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia — prompting a cautious approach from Indian authorities.
Experts still consider vaccination the most effective form of protection. They also advise wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas — especially for those who are elderly or have existing health conditions.
With the current trend showing increased transmissibility but low hospitalisation, the emphasis remains on staying alert, not anxious.
In the last 24 hours, 685 fresh infections were logged. Four men — one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh — have died due to Covid-related complications.
Delhi’s toll included a “71-year-old male with pneumonia, septic shock with acute kidney injury,” according to officials. The sharpest daily increase was also recorded in the national capital, where active cases rose by 81 within a day.
Health Ministry: No need to panic, most cases are mild
Despite the sudden spike, health authorities say there’s no reason for alarm. The majority of patients are under home care with only mild symptoms. In fact, 265 people were discharged in the past 24 hours.
Officials from the Union health ministry have stated that the overall Covid-19 situation is being “closely monitored” and that there is “no cause for worry.”
Dr Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), echoed that position:
“We have been closely monitoring the situation. At this moment overall, we should monitor, be vigilant but there is no cause to worry.”
Case count has skyrocketed in 10 days
India reported only 257 active Covid-19 cases on 22 May. By 26 May, the number climbed to 1,010. It has now surged to 3,395 — more than a tenfold increase in just over a week.
Kerala continues to account for over a third of the country’s active cases. Maharashtra and Delhi also report high numbers, while states like Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117) are also seeing steady climbs.
Delhi issues hospital advisory amid rising numbers
In light of the growing numbers, the Delhi government issued a detailed advisory on 23 May. Hospitals have been directed to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies — oxygen, medicines, beds, and functioning life-support equipment including ventilators and BiPAP machines.
The advisory is part of a broader set of measures being adopted by state governments across India to stay prepared.
New sub-variants identified in India’s West and South
The recent surge in cases has coincided with the detection of new sub-variants of the Omicron strain. These include LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1.
Dr Behl confirmed that these were identified through genome sequencing conducted in southern and western India.
“The variants leading to the current rise in cases are not severe and are sub-variants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1. The first three have been found in more number of cases,” he said.
The World Health Organization has labelled these strains as “Variants Under Monitoring,” not “Variants of Concern” — which suggests they are not yet considered to pose a serious global threat.
Should you be worried? Here’s what to know
While the new sub-variants are more transmissible than earlier strains, they have not shown signs of causing more severe illness. Their quick spread has been noted in countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Australia — prompting a cautious approach from Indian authorities.
Experts still consider vaccination the most effective form of protection. They also advise wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas — especially for those who are elderly or have existing health conditions.
With the current trend showing increased transmissibility but low hospitalisation, the emphasis remains on staying alert, not anxious.
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