India's active COVID-19 caseload touched 1,009 on Monday, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant even as they maintained that the situation is under control. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi accounted for the highest number of infections. While five states reported fatalities, experts emphasised that symptoms remain mild and advised the public to stay 'cautious' rather than 'alarmed'.
The resurgence is attributed to newly identified variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, detected in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. These variants have been linked to recent COVID-19 spikes across Asia, suggesting potentially higher transmissibility or altered behaviour compared to earlier strains. Yet, the health ministry notes that most cases continue to be mild.
Kerala currently reports 430 active COVID-19 cases, with recent days seeing 335 new infections. The districts most affected include Kottayam, with 57 active cases, followed by Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, which have 34 and 30 active cases respectively. The state has made mask-wearing mandatory for hospital staff and remains on high alert amid concerns over new variants circulating in the region.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra has recorded 209 active COVID-19 cases, with 43 new cases reported on Sunday alone. Mumbai continues to be the focal point, accounting for 242 cumulative cases reported so far in May. Authorities have noted a rise in mild symptomatic infections and have urged residents to remain vigilant, emphasising adherence to public health measures to contain further spread.
Delhi’s active case count has risen slightly to 104 from 99 the previous week, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s COVID-19 dashboard. A senior Delhi government health official confirmed, “while the situation remains under control, authorities continue to closely monitor any potential surge.” The city has reported no COVID-related deaths in recent weeks. On Friday, the Delhi government issued an advisory urging hospitals to maintain preparedness, ensuring availability of beds, oxygen, essential drugs, and functional equipment such as ventilators and BiPAP machines.
Also read: Maharashtra logs 2 COVID deaths, 52 active cases: Health dept
Bihar recorded its first COVID-19 case of the current wave on Monday, with a 31-year-old Patna resident testing positive despite having “no history” of recent travel outside the state, Patna Civil Surgeon Abinash Kumar Singh told PTI. “The level of infection is very mild. The case is being monitored closely and all necessary protocols are being followed,” he said, adding that citizens should “stay alert but not alarmed.”
West Bengal has seen four new cases, raising the state’s total active cases to 11, mostly concentrated in Kolkata and its suburbs, a health department official said. “These patients are under observation,” the official told PTI. This is a notable increase from just one active case reported until May 19.
Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi confirmed its first COVID-19 case of the current wave on Sunday. The patient, who recently returned from Mumbai, is under treatment at a private hospital. “His condition is stable and he is not showing any other complications,” Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar informed. He added that a check-up drive would commence on Monday and an isolation ward with 20 beds is being established at Sadar Hospital.
In Bengaluru, an 84-year-old man with severe comorbidities died after testing positive for COVID-19 posthumously. Admitted on May 13 to a private hospital in Whitefield, he passed away on May 17. The state has reported 38 cases, including 32 in Bengaluru.
Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh reported two cases, with State Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar assuring that “there is no need to fear.” The infected patients contracted the virus from other states. Genome sequencing is underway to detect any new variants. Given the large influx of devotees for the Chardham Yatra, precautionary measures are active, including deployment of health staff along the pilgrimage routes.
Union Health Ministry sources emphasised that most COVID-19 cases across India remain mild, with many patients receiving home care. Following the rise in cases, the Union Health Secretary held a review meeting on Saturday with senior officials from the Department of Health Research, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have issued advisories urging adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and avoiding crowds. Vaccination efforts persist robustly, with over 220 crore doses administered by June 2024. The government maintains that the situation is under control and encourages citizens to stay updated via official channels.
Also read: Gujarat reports 15 mild COVID Omicron JN1 cases
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