New Delhi: Covid-19 cases are witnessing an uptick in several regions of India, prompting state authorities to begin preparations to ensure the availability of hospital beds, oxygen supplies, essential medicines and vaccines in anticipation of a possible surge.
Meanwhile, data from INSACOG has confirmed the presence of emerging Covid variants in the country — with one case of NB.1.8.1 and four cases of LF.7 reported. As of May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized both NB.1.8 and LF.7 as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), indicating they are being closely tracked but are not currently considered Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). However, these subvariants are believed to be contributing to the recent increase in infections across China and other parts of Asia.
Here are the top developments:
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Centre’s view: Union Health Secretary reviewed the situation; most Covid cases are mild and under home care, officials told ANI. Monitoring continues through central agencies.
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Karnataka: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said no need to worry; 35 cases reported this year with a recent rise. An 84-year-old man with comorbidities died in Bengaluru. A nine-month-old baby also tested positive and is stable at Vani Vilas Hospital.
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Delhi: Reported 23 cases on Friday after nearly three years. Hospitals asked to ensure bed, oxygen, and vaccine readiness. All patients are stable.
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Haryana: Four active cases (2 in Gurugram, 2 in Faridabad). Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the situation is under control; no international travel history for patients.
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Uttar Pradesh: One woman in Noida tested positive and is under home isolation. Four cases were also reported in Ghaziabad.
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Maharashtra: Thane reported eight new cases and one death. Of 18 active patients, only one is hospitalised.
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Uttarakhand: AIIMS Rishikesh reported three cases, including a Badrinath Yatra visitor and a resident doctor.
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Telangana: One case in Hyderabad—a pulmonologist who followed isolation protocols.
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Andhra Pradesh: Four cases reported—three in Visakhapatnam and one in Rayalaseema. A medical student and two family members were among those infected.
