India's COVID-19 Situation: Latest Updates on Cases and Variants

National COVID-19 Update

India's health authorities report a gradual rise in COVID-19 infections in May 2025, though overall numbers remain low. As of May 19, there were just 257 active cases nationwide. A recent Ministry of Health meeting concluded the situation is "under control". Still, experts note localized upticks in urban areas and border regions. Infections in parts of Asia (notably Singapore and Hong Kong) have surged recently, prompting Indian officials to reinforce surveillance and preparedness.

Most of India's current cases are mild, with no new COVID-19 deaths or ICU admissions reported. Health authorities emphasize continued vigilance: hospitals are testing all patients with influenza-like or severe respiratory symptoms for COVID-19, and doctors recommend seasonal flu vaccination to reduce the risk of co-infections.

State-Level Trends

Delhi (National Capital)

On May 23, Delhi reported 23 new COVID-19 cases – the first double-digit count since early 2023. The Delhi government immediately issued an advisory directing all hospitals to ensure readiness of beds, oxygen, medicines and vaccines. Hospitals were told to keep equipment (ventilators, BiPAP machines, oxygen concentrators and plants) in working order.

All positive samples in the city must be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genomic sequencing. Health Minister Pankaj Singh said patient conditions are stable and investigations are ongoing; he urged the public not to panic. In parallel, authorities continue daily data reporting on the Delhi health portal and active testing of influenza-like (ILI) and severe respiratory (SARI) cases for COVID.

Kerala

The southern state has seen a notable rise in cases. In May alone, Kerala recorded 273 COVID-19 infections. State Health Minister Veena George has asked all districts to ramp up surveillance and early response, citing similar surges in neighboring countries.

Districts with the highest caseloads include Kottayam (82 cases), Thiruvananthapuram (73) and Ernakulam (49) so far in May. The government advises those with symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever) to wear masks, and urges vulnerable groups (elderly, pregnant women, people with comorbidities) to resume mask use in public.

Karnataka

The state has seen a marginal increase in cases. So far in 2025 Karnataka has reported 35 active cases (32 of them in Bengaluru). The government's recent advisory notes a slow uptick in infections over the past three weeks, though "no COVID-related deaths have been reported in 2025".

Key Figures and Trends

• Active cases (national): ~257 as of May 19, 2025.
• Recent cases (selected): Kerala (~273 in May); Delhi (23 cases late May); Karnataka (35 so far in 2025).
• Regional hotspots: Outside India's focus states, Maharashtra (Mumbai) has seen smaller clusters (95 cases in May vs. 106 since January). Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have reported isolated cases.

Overall, officials describe the current situation as one of sporadic, low-level cases, with no evidence yet of uncontrolled spread. A Union Health Ministry review emphasized that surveillance remains active under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR frameworks.

Emerging Variants (NB.1.8.1 and LF.7)

India's genomic surveillance (INSACOG) has identified two new Omicron sub-lineages in small numbers. One case of variant NB.1.8.1 (detected in Tamil Nadu in April) and four cases of LF.7 (detected in Gujarat in May) were confirmed.

Both subvariants are currently classified by WHO as "Variants Under Monitoring" (not yet Variants of Concern or Interest). Early analyses suggest NB.1.8.1 harbors spike-protein mutations (A435S, V445H, T478I) linked to higher transmissibility and immune evasion potential. However, experts note these strains are not widespread in India and so far appear to cause the same typical COVID symptoms – such as fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue – as other recent subvariants.

Public Health Measures and Advisories

In response to the recent rise in cases, governments at all levels have issued precautionary guidance:

• Hospital Preparedness: State advisories require hospitals to ensure beds, oxygen supply and essential medicines are available.
• Testing and Surveillance: All patients with influenza-like (ILI) or severe respiratory symptoms should be tested for COVID-19.
• Personal Precautions: Officials uniformly urge citizens to resume basic COVID-19 precautions.
• Government Guidance: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and disease control agencies stress that the situation remains under review but under control.