India is witnessing a gradual resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with health officials and state governments responding to the emergence of new virus variants and mild surges in key urban centres. Though the overall case numbers remain relatively low, health authorities are taking the development seriously, citing the unpredictable nature of the virus and the need for preparedness.

Current Situation Across India

As of May 24, 2025, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reported a total of 257 active COVID-19 cases nationwide. This marks a modest increase but is notable after several months of relatively stable or declining numbers. The current spike, experts suggest, is driven by new sub-variants of the Omicron lineage that appear to be more transmissible, although they have not shown signs of increased severity.

Several major cities are experiencing a rise in reported infections:

  • Delhi has reported 23 new cases in the last week. While hospitalisations remain minimal, the capital’s government has placed major hospitals on alert, instructing them to recheck oxygen supply, ICU bed readiness, and testing infrastructure.
  • Mumbai, Maharashtra’s financial capital, has seen a more significant increase with 95 cases recorded this month. Local municipal bodies have issued advisories encouraging the elderly and immunocompromised to wear masks in crowded areas.
  • Bengaluru, the IT hub of Karnataka, reported 32 of the state’s 35 new cases in 2025. State health officials have attributed the spike to localised transmission within office complexes and residential clusters.
  • Kerala has recorded the highest state-wise increase, with 273 cases in May. In response, the state government has made face masks mandatory in all healthcare facilities and has asked individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms to isolate voluntarily and wear masks in public.

Despite the increase, no COVID-related deaths have been reported this month, which health experts say is a reassuring sign.

New Variants Identified: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7

The recent increase in infections coincides with the detection of new COVID-19 variants. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), responsible for genomic surveillance, has confirmed the presence of two new sub-variants:

  • NB.1.8.1, a derivative of the JN.1 variant, was identified in Tamil Nadu.
  • LF.7, another JN.1 offshoot, was found in four individuals in Gujarat.

Though these variants are not considered more dangerous in terms of mortality or severe illness, they exhibit a higher transmission rate. Dr. Suresh Patil, a virologist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said, “We’re observing these variants carefully. So far, cases have been mild, with symptoms including low-grade fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue—similar to earlier Omicron infections.”

Government Measures and Health Department Readiness

Responding to the development, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra held a high-level meeting with health officials across states on May 23. The ministry has directed all hospitals and healthcare centres in high-risk zones to ensure:

  • Availability of oxygen supply and ventilator-equipped beds.
  • Functioning COVID-19 testing facilities.
  • Updated stock of antiviral drugs and PPE kits.
  • Review and updating of standard operating procedures for outbreak response.

The Centre has not issued nationwide mandates yet but has empowered states to take region-specific measures based on the local transmission rate. Additionally, advisory notices have gone out to all airports for enhanced thermal screening and random RT-PCR testing, particularly for international passengers from high-transmission countries.

Vaccination and Public Compliance

India’s vaccination campaign continues to be its strongest asset in managing the pandemic. According to the Ministry of Health, over 93% of the adult population has received two vaccine doses, and nearly 40% have opted for at least one booster shot. However, booster uptake has declined significantly since 2023, prompting the government to consider a renewed public awareness campaign.

New booster doses tailored to cover emerging variants such as JN.1 and its sub-lineages are expected to be rolled out by the end of June, beginning with frontline workers and senior citizens.

Public health experts are urging people not to let their guard down. Dr. Nivedita Menon, a senior epidemiologist at AIIMS Delhi, said, “COVID-19 is not over. It may no longer cause a crisis as in 2020 or 2021, but the virus is still evolving. Even mild increases can affect healthcare systems if left unchecked.”

Precautionary Measures Advised

The Health Ministry has reiterated basic COVID-appropriate behaviour to curb the spread:

  • Wearing masks in crowded or enclosed public spaces.
  • Washing hands frequently with soap or sanitiser.
  • Isolating immediately upon experiencing symptoms.
  • Avoiding unnecessary travel if feeling unwell.

Several schools and colleges in Kerala and Karnataka have issued temporary advisories allowing students to attend classes online for the next week, especially in districts reporting clusters.

Misinformation has also re-emerged on social media platforms. The government has appealed to citizens to verify any health-related news through official sources and avoid forwarding unverified claims.

A Watchful but Calm Approach

While the current wave is far from severe, authorities believe early action is the key to avoiding the mistakes of the past. “We are much better prepared now,” said Health Secretary Apurva Chandra. “There is no need to panic, but we must be alert. The virus may return in waves, but so will our readiness.”

India’s public health system, bolstered by experience, improved vaccination coverage, and technological advancements, appears better equipped to manage the 2025 resurgence—so long as both the government and the public remain vigilant.the public to remain vigilant, adhere to safety protocols, and stay informed through official channels

For verified updates, citizens are advised to follow official channels such as the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) website, Press Information Bureau (PIB), and local government health departments.