India is witnessing a mild uptick in Covid-19 cases, with the total number of active cases rising to 1,009 across the country, according to data shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.
Delhi has emerged as the worst-hit state in this fresh wave, reporting 104 active cases, a jump of 99 cases since May 19.
This marks a notable resurgence in the national capital, which also recorded 24 recoveries during the same period.
Kerala and Maharashtra top the active caseload
Apart from Delhi, Kerala and Maharashtra have reported the highest number of active infections, with 430 and 209 cases respectively. Kerala added 335 new active cases, while Maharashtra saw an increase of 153 cases in the past week.
Other states showing marginal increases in active cases include:
- Karnataka – 47 active cases (+34)
- Tamil Nadu – 69 active cases (+3)
- Gujarat – 83 active cases (+76)
- Uttar Pradesh – 15 active cases (+15)
- Rajasthan – 13 active cases (+11)
Meanwhile, other states and Union Territories have reported either zero active cases or no change in their caseload.
Deaths reported in five states
A total of seven Covid-related deaths were recorded since May 19:
- Maharashtra: 4 deaths (details awaited)
- Kerala: 2 deaths (details awaited)
- Karnataka: 1 death
It should be noted that for the state of Kerala, authorities are continuing to reconcile Covid-19 mortality data.Further, the overall number of people cured, discharged, or migrated across India has risen to 4,45,11,545, with 305 new recoveries reported since May 19.
While the current surge is not alarming in terms of scale, the health ministry has urged states to remain vigilant and advised citizens, especially those with co-morbidities, to continue following basic Covid-appropriate behaviour. Testing and genome sequencing are also being ramped up in select regions showing spikes.
Why are Covid-19 cases on the rise in India?
Health authorities are closely monitoring the recent spike in Covid-19 cases across several Indian cities, as infections inch up not just nationally but also across parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore.While the national active caseload remains relatively low — at just over 1,000 — the increase in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad is prompting fresh advisories.
In Delhi, the active cases crossed the 100-mark on Monday, even as the nationwide count stood at 1,009, according to health ministry data.
Mumbai, for instance, has recorded 95 cases in May alone — a marked jump given that Maharashtra had logged only 106 cases since January until this month, per the state health department.
Hospitals like KEM and Seven Hills have started shifting patients internally to prevent further transmission. As of now, 16 patients remain hospitalised.
Health departments across states have been instructed to test all individuals showing symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for Covid-19.
India not the only Asian nation reporting surge
Epidemiologists say the current increase in Covid-19 cases is driven by a mix of emerging subvariants and waning immunity in the population.
Though most Indians have previously been exposed to the virus — through either vaccination or prior infection — that immunity has started to fade over time.
Relaxed safety norms, rising social gatherings, and seasonal weather shifts may also be contributing to the uptick.
Across Asia, a similar trend is being observed. Singapore reported a 28 per cent rise in infections in the week ending May 3, while Hong Kong’s positivity rate more than doubled — from 6.2 per cent to over 13 per cent within a month — suggesting a swift spread of new variants.
No cause for panic, say doctors — but caution is key
Experts stress that there’s no reason for panic. Most new cases in India are mild and not requiring ICU care or leading to fatalities.
However, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions are being advised to take precautions — wear masks in closed or crowded spaces, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Doctors are also recommending a seasonal flu vaccine to reduce the risk of co-infection and associated complications.
Despite the World Health Organization declaring the end of the pandemic emergency in May 2023, the virus continues to circulate globally, and occasional regional spikes are expected, experts note.
India’s public health system is not under strain yet, but authorities are expected to remain on alert in the coming weeks, especially as testing, sequencing, and hospital readiness remain crucial to containing any further rise.
