Introduction to the Current COVID-19 Situation in India
As of May 26, 2025, India is witnessing a mild resurgence of COVID-19 cases, prompting heightened vigilance from health authorities. While the situation remains under control, the emergence of new variants and a slight uptick in infections across several states have raised concerns. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, expert insights, and practical guidance to stay safe amid the evolving scenario. With 1,000+ active cases reported recently, including 752 new cases in a single week, understanding the current landscape is crucial for residents and travelers alike.
Rising Cases Across Indian States
National Overview
India has recorded a gradual increase in COVID-19 cases, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 257 active cases as of May 19, 2025, rising to over 1,000 active instances in the past week. On May 25, 44 new cases were added, maintaining a recovery rate of 98.81%. The majority of these infections are mild, requiring no hospitalization, and are managed through home isolation.
State-Wise Breakdown
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Kerala: Leading with 182 active cases, Kerala has seen the highest surge, particularly in urban areas. The state government has issued advisories, including mask mandates, to curb the spread.
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Maharashtra: Reporting 95 new cases in May, with Mumbai alone accounting for 53 active cases, the state has seen two COVID-related deaths since January, both involving patients with comorbidities.
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Tamil Nadu: With 66 active cases, Tamil Nadu is closely monitoring the situation, especially in Chennai, where cases are rising.
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Karnataka: The state reported 35 new infections, including its first COVID-19 death of 2025, an 85-year-old with multi-organ failure in Bengaluru. Testing has been scaled up, with 32 new cases in the city alone.
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Andhra Pradesh: Four cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, with three in Visakhapatnam and one in Rayalaseema.
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Other States: Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have also reported cases, with Delhi noting a 55-year-old patient in Noida as part of the current wave.
The rise is attributed to waning immunity, increased social mixing, and relaxed preventive behaviors, mirroring trends in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore and Hong Kong.
Emerging Variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7
Detection of New Variants
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has identified one case of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Tamil Nadu and four cases of the LF.7 variant in Gujarat. Both are sub-lineages of the Omicron JN.1 variant, classified as “variants under monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to their potential for increased transmissibility. These variants are driving the surge in Asia, accounting for over two-thirds of sequenced cases in Singapore.
Are These Variants More Severe?
Health officials and experts, including those from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have found no evidence that NB.1.8.1 or LF.7 are more transmissible or deadly than previous strains. Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a leading epidemiologist, emphasized that these variants are derivatives of Omicron, which has been widely circulating in India. High vaccination rates and prior infections have bolstered immunity, reducing the risk of severe outcomes.
Comparison with Regional Trends
The surge in India coincides with increased cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand. In Singapore, infections rose by 28% in early May, with hospitalizations up by 30%. Hong Kong reported a positivity rate of 13.66% by mid-May, up from 6.21% four weeks prior. While these countries face higher hospitalization rates, India’s cases remain mild, with no significant increase in ICU admissions or deaths linked to the current wave.
Health Ministry and Government Response
National Surveillance and Advisories
The Union Health Ministry has intensified surveillance, with a robust system in place through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. A high-level meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and central government hospitals. States have been directed to monitor influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) closely.
State-Level Measures
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Delhi: Hospitals are uploading daily ILI and SARI data to an integrated health platform.
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Andhra Pradesh: Health facilities are ensuring adequate supplies of vaccines, PPE kits, and masks. Travelers from COVID-affected Asian countries are advised to undergo testing.
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Maharashtra: The Brihan Mumbai Corporation (BMC) has assured the public that arrangements for patient care are in place, urging calm.
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Kerala and Karnataka: Mask mandates and increased testing have been implemented in response to rising cases.
Expert Recommendations
Health experts, including Dr. Vikas Maurya from Fortis Shalimar Bagh, suggest that waning antibodies from earlier vaccinations may contribute to the rise. They recommend that vulnerable groups—elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities—resume basic precautions like mask-wearing and hand hygiene. Influenza vaccinations are also advised to reduce the risk of co-infections.
Public Health Guidelines: Dos and Don’ts
To navigate the current wave safely, here are practical steps to follow:
Dos
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Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap or use sanitizer.
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Wear Masks in Crowded Spaces: Especially for high-risk groups, masks reduce transmission risk.
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Stay Informed: Follow updates from reliable sources like the Ministry of Health and WHO.
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Get Vaccinated: Ensure influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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Monitor Symptoms: Seek medical advice if experiencing fever, cough, or breathing difficulties.
Don’ts
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Don’t Panic: Most cases are mild, and the situation is under control.
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Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Stay home if unwell to prevent spreading the virus.
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Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Early testing can help manage and isolate cases effectively.
These guidelines align with recommendations from the Times of India and other health authorities.
Why Is This Surge Happening?
Waning Immunity
Experts attribute the rise to reduced protection from prior infections or vaccinations. Many Indians received their last vaccine dose over a year ago, leading to decreased antibody levels. This mirrors trends in Hong Kong and China, where waning immunity has fueled case spikes.
Increased Social Mixing
Relaxed preventive behaviors and increased social interactions, especially in urban centers like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, have contributed to the spread. The end of strict lockdown measures and a return to normalcy have facilitated transmission.
Regional Influence
The surge in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong, has raised concerns in India. The LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants, dominant in these regions, are now present in India, prompting genome sequencing to track their spread.
Should You Be Worried?
Expert Opinions
Dr. Tushar Tayal from CK Birla Hospital notes that the current surge is a normal part of the viral season, with case numbers remaining low relative to India’s population. Dr. Sujeet Singh, former NCDC director, emphasizes the importance of genome sequencing to monitor variants but assures that the risk of a severe wave is low due to high vaccination coverage and prior exposure.
Endemic Nature of COVID-19
The WHO declared the pandemic over in May 2023, and experts like Dr. Gangakhedkar assert that COVID-19 has become endemic, with periodic waves expected. The current variants are not causing severe illness, and India’s robust immunity from vaccinations and past infections offers significant protection.
Travel Advisory for Indian Travelers
With rising cases in Southeast Asia, Indian travelers to Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand should exercise caution. The Ministry of Health recommends testing for those returning from these countries. Travelers are advised to follow local guidelines, wear masks in crowded areas, and monitor for symptoms upon return.
Conclusion
The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in India, driven by variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, is a reminder to stay vigilant. While the situation is under control, with most cases being mild, adhering to basic precautions can prevent further spread. High-risk groups should prioritize mask-wearing and vaccinations, while the public is urged to stay informed without panicking. By following health guidelines and monitoring updates, India can navigate this wave effectively. For the latest information, visit the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website or follow trusted sources like WHO and ICMR.