Covid-19 cases in India are once again in the headlines, as the number of active cases in the country has seen a slight increase in recent weeks. As of May 19, 2025, a total of 257 active Covid-19 cases have been reported in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This number is the highest in the last one year, but health officials say the situation is under control. In this article, we will discuss in detail the current status of Covid-19 in India, its causes, affected areas, and the steps being taken by the government and the public to deal with it.
COVID-19 situation in India
According to the Health Ministry data, 164 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in India from May 12 to May 19, 2025. Of these, the highest number of cases have been reported from Kerala (95 cases), Tamil Nadu (66 cases), and Maharashtra (56 cases). Other states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have reported cases in single digits. Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have seen a slight increase in cases, but experts say almost all cases are mild and do not require hospitalization. Two COVID-related deaths were recently reported at Mumbai's KEM Hospital, but doctors clarified that these deaths were due to serious comorbidities and not directly due to COVID-19.
New variant: JN.1
The main reason for the current increase in COVID-19 cases is believed to be the JN.1 variant, which is a sub-variant of Omicron BA.2.86. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated JN.1 as a 'variant of interest' in December 2023, as it has about 30 mutations that make it more infectious. Its sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8 are spreading rapidly in Southeast Asia, especially Singapore and Hong Kong. Although the widespread spread of JN.1 in India has not been officially confirmed, it is believed to be present in the country since late 2023. Experts say that the risk of severe disease from JN.1 is low, but it is important to be cautious due to its high infectiousness.
The situation in South-East Asia
Apart from India, several countries in South-East Asia are witnessing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. In Singapore, weekly cases rose from 11,100 to 14,200 from 27 April to 3 May, and hospitalisations increased by 30%. Hong Kong has also seen increased COVID-19 activity since mid-April, where 81 severe cases and 30 deaths were reported, mostly among the elderly and people with co-morbidities. Thailand saw a surge in cases after the Songkran festival, and China too has seen a doubling of cases in the last few weeks. JN.1 and its sub-variants are the main culprits in these countries.
India's response
The Government of India has taken several steps to keep the situation under control. On 19th May 2025, the Ministry of Health held a high-level review meeting, which included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals. The meeting concluded that the COVID-19 situation in India is stable and there is no sign of a large-scale outbreak. Surveillance under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR has been further strengthened, especially for surveillance of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).
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Health experts, such as Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, have stressed that COVID-19 is now an endemic disease, and periodic surge in cases is normal. The elderly and people with weakened immunity have been advised to wear masks, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid crowded places. An Omicron-specific vaccine, GEMCOVAC-19, is also available in India, developed by Pune-based Genova Biopharmaceuticals. If there is an abnormal surge in cases, the production of this vaccine can be increased.
Vaccination and the role of the public
India's vaccination drive has been a crucial step in combating Covid-19. Over 1.7 billion doses of vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield have been administered under the drive that began in January 2021, and over 72 crore people have been fully vaccinated as of January 2022. Health experts say booster doses, especially for high-risk groups, substantially reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation. However, many people have not taken booster shots in recent years, leading to waning immunity.
The public has been urged to take basic precautions, such as:
- Wearing a mask in crowded places
- Washing hands regularly or using sanitizer
- Avoiding travel when sick
- Taking timely vaccination and booster doses
Does India need to worry?
Health experts say the situation in India is under control for now. The 257 active cases is very few compared to a population of 1.4 billion, and most cases are mild. However, the surge in cases in Southeast Asia is a warning that Covid-19 is not yet over. Experts believe respiratory illnesses are usually less common in summer, so the current surge is unusual and is being linked to waning immunity.
India's robust surveillance system, transparent communication, and vaccination drive have enabled the country to effectively manage this endemic phase. Still, individuals and businesses must remain vigilant and follow health guidelines. Community responsibility and awareness will play a key role in mitigating the impact of this pandemic.
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conclusion
The mild increase in COVID-19 cases in India is not a cause for concern, but it is a reminder that the virus is still present. This situation can be controlled with active monitoring by the government and caution by the public. Steps such as vaccination, wearing masks, and maintaining hygiene are important in preventing the spread of COVID-19. As India moves into this endemic phase, collective responsibility and vigilance will be the key to managing it.