New Delhi: India has witnessed a sharp rise in active Covid-19 infections, with the total number climbing to 3,395, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. Kerala currently has the highest number of active cases at 1,336, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375 cases.
Other states also reporting notable caseloads include Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117). The recent surge marks a significant jump from earlier figures. On May 22, active cases stood at just 257. This number grew to 1,010 by May 26 and has more than tripled since then. In the past 24 hours alone, India recorded 685 new infections and four deaths—one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
First spike since 2023
This is the first time since April 1, 2023, that the active Covid-19 count has crossed 3,000. According to the Worldometer database, India had reported 3,084 active cases on that date. Addressing public concerns, Dr Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said, “We are monitoring the situation closely. While vigilance is necessary, there is currently no reason for alarm.”
He noted that four Omicron subvariants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—have been detected, with LF.7, XFG, and JN.1 appearing more frequently in recent cases. Kerala has reported five Covid-related deaths so far, while Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of fatalities this year, with seven deaths reported in January 2025. Overall, 22 people have died from the virus across India since the start of the year. Meanwhile, 1,170 patients have recovered or been discharged since January 2025, reflecting continued efforts in treatment and containment.
