India is currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the total number of active cases in the country crossing the 1,000 mark. As of May 27, 2025, the country has 1,009 active cases, a notable increase from 257 active cases reported the previous week. Several states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat, are witnessing a surge in infections.
Kerala is leading the chart with the highest number of active cases, standing at 430. Maharashtra follows with 209 active cases, while Delhi and Gujarat have 104 and 83 active cases, respectively. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana have also reported a few cases over the past week.
The increase in cases has prompted health authorities to urge caution, while assuring the public that the situation is currently manageable. Governments at both the state and central levels have emphasized that there is no cause for alarm and that necessary measures are in place to manage the current wave.
In response to the rising cases, several states are stepping up precautionary measures. Maharashtra and Karnataka are increasing vigilance, including issuing advisories for mask usage among high-risk individuals and ensuring hospital readiness. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil in Karnataka has directed health workers to wear masks and has advised precautionary masking for pregnant women and senior citizens.
Health experts attribute the rise in cases to new sub-variants of the virus that are capable of evading existing immunity from past infections or vaccinations. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified four Omicron subvariants – LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB. 1.8.1 – circulating in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as "Variants Under Monitoring," indicating that they are being monitored but are not considered Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest.
Despite the increase in cases and the emergence of new sub-variants, health officials maintain that the severity of the infections remains low. The ICMR has stated that the reported variants are showing only mild disease symptoms, and there is no evidence of severe illness. However, they have urged individuals battling diseases and others with low immunity to be cautious.
In light of the rising cases, authorities are emphasizing the importance of testing and surveillance. They advise individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever or cold to get tested, especially if symptoms persist beyond 3-4 days. As schools are set to reopen, students showing symptoms of fever or cold should remain at home, with testing encouraged for all cases of severe respiratory illness.
The government is also reviewing the availability of oxygen beds, ventilators, and medicines as part of its broader preparedness strategy. They are closely monitoring the situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) to track the spread of the virus and identify any potential hotspots.
While the increase in COVID-19 cases is a cause for concern, health authorities are urging the public not to panic. They emphasize that the situation is under control and that necessary measures are being taken to manage the spread of the virus. However, they advise continued vigilance and adherence to precautionary measures, such as mask usage, hand hygiene, and social distancing, especially for vulnerable populations.
