India is once again seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the total active cases crossing the 1,000 mark as of May 26, 2025. This resurgence has been most noticeable in states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi. According to government data, 1,009 active cases have been recorded, with seven deaths reported in the past week alone. Despite the upward trend, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) assures citizens that the situation remains under control and there is no immediate cause for alarm.
Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi Report Highest Numbers
Kerala is leading the chart with 430 active cases and two fatalities reported between May 19 and May 26. The southern state had recorded only 95 cases until May 19, indicating a sharp rise in infections.
Maharashtra has recorded 209 active cases, a steep increase from 56 the previous week, and has reported four deaths in this period.
Delhi has also seen a sudden spike, registering 105 active cases as of May 26. This is a dramatic increase compared to just five active cases until May 19. The national capital is now under close watch by health officials and analysts alike.
Other States Affected by the COVID-19 Surge
The virus is also gradually spreading to other states:
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Karnataka: 47 active cases, one death
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Gujarat: 83 active cases, up from just seven
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Uttar Pradesh: 15 cases, up from zero
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West Bengal: 12 cases, compared to one last week
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Tamil Nadu: Slight rise from 66 to 69 cases
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ICMR DG Reassures Public: “No Need to Worry”
Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of ICMR, stated that there is no immediate concern despite the uptick. “The severity is low and manageable. We just need to remain vigilant,” he said.
He highlighted three key factors the ICMR evaluates during such surges:
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Rate of Transmission: Currently slower than previous waves.
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Immune Escape: No major threat from current variants.
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Severity of Cases: The majority of new cases are mild or asymptomatic.
Dr. Behl emphasized that no new restrictions or booster vaccinations are needed at this point. “India can quickly manufacture vaccines if the need arises,” he added.
New Variants Detected, But Risk Remains Low
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), two emerging variants have been detected in the country:
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NB.1.8.1: One case found in Tamil Nadu (April 2025)
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LF.7: Four cases found in Gujarat (May 2025)
Other Omicron sub-lineages such as XFG and JN.1 have also been identified but are not associated with severe symptoms or increased hospitalizations.
“Genome sequencing is being done on a priority basis to track these variants,” said Dr. Behl.
Rise in Cases Coincides with Global Spike
The rise in COVID-19 cases in India mirrors similar spikes in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand. This regional trend may explain the resurgence domestically, though Indian health authorities assert that the healthcare system is well-prepared to handle the situation.
Weekly Case Trends
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May 5–12: 93 cases reported
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May 13–19: 164 cases reported
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May 19–26: Over 700 new cases
This exponential rise highlights the importance of continued monitoring, especially in densely populated urban regions.
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What the Public Should Do
The ICMR advises the general public to follow normal safety protocols:
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Maintain hygiene and avoid crowded spaces
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Use masks in high-risk areas
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Monitor symptoms like fever and cough
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Stay home if unwell
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No need for booster doses at this point
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