The Indian Health Ministry has stated that the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong is not a cause for concern in India. This announcement comes as several Asian countries are experiencing a rise in infections, primarily driven by new sub-variants of the Omicron variant. Despite the increase in cases abroad, the health ministry has assured the public that the situation in India remains under control.
Official sources within the Health Ministry have confirmed that the central government is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in India, especially in light of the reports of increasing infections in Singapore and Hong Kong. A recent review meeting was convened with experts from various institutions, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), to assess the situation.
The review concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India is stable. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stood at 257, which is considered a very low figure given the country's large population. Furthermore, it was reported that almost all of these cases are mild, requiring no hospitalization. This is a significant contrast to the surges experienced during previous waves of the pandemic, where hospitalizations and strain on the healthcare system were major concerns.
The sub-variants circulating in Singapore, identified as LF.7 and NB.1.8, are descendants of the JN.1 variant (Omicron). While these variants are reported to be highly infectious, preliminary information suggests that they do not cause more severe illness or higher mortality rates compared to previously circulating variants. This is a key factor in the health ministry's assessment that the situation is not alarming.
India has a robust system in place for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. This network enables the continuous monitoring of trends and the early detection of any potential outbreaks or variants of concern. Hospitals across the country have also been instructed to monitor cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) to identify any unusual patterns.
According to the COVID-19 dashboard, a majority of the new cases in India have been reported from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Experts consider this a normal surge during the viral period, with only a small percentage of active cases requiring hospitalization. This is a marked decrease compared to the second wave of the pandemic in 2021.
Despite the reassuring statements from the Health Ministry, health experts are advising continued vigilance. While a significant resurgence is deemed unlikely, they recommend that people maintain basic precautions. These include wearing masks in crowded spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and ensuring timely booster vaccinations for eligible individuals.
The experience of dealing with previous COVID-19 waves has enabled India to develop a more prepared and strategic response. The country's initial response to the pandemic involved strict measures, including a nationwide lockdown, to slow the spread of the virus and buy time to prepare the healthcare system. Although earlier lockdowns were seen as harsh, they were essential in a situation where testing levels were low and the precise locations of disease hotspots were unknown. Now, the focus is on targeted interventions and surveillance, rather than broad lockdowns that can have severe economic and social consequences.
