India is currently witnessing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, with the number rising to 3,395 active cases as of May 31, 2025. This marks a significant jump from 257 active cases on May 22 and 1,010 on May 26. According to the Union Health Ministry data, Kerala is leading the surge with 1,336 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375.
In the last 24 hours, 685 new cases have been reported, and sadly, four deaths have been recorded, with one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Despite the increase in numbers, health officials maintain that there is no reason to panic. They state that the severity of infections is low, and most patients are under home care. The COVID-19 situation in India is being closely monitored.
Other states with notable active cases include Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117). These figures highlight a geographically diverse spread of the virus, necessitating vigilance across the country.
Genome sequencing of samples from the west and south of India has revealed that the variants driving the current rise in cases are subvariants of Omicron. Specifically, four subvariants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—have been identified. While NB.1.8.1 has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "variant under monitoring" due to its increasing global presence and potential to evade immune responses, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has indicated that these variants are not causing severe illness. Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of ICMR, has reassured the public that these subvariants do not exhibit heightened severity.
In response to the rising cases, authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure preparedness. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has stated that hospitals in Delhi are well-prepared, with adequate beds and resources available. Similarly, Odisha Health Secretary Aswathy S has urged residents not to panic, emphasizing that all patients in the state are stable and the situation is under control.
The increase in COVID-19 cases comes after a period of relative calm, with daily cases remaining low for several months. The last time India had crossed the 3,000 active case mark was on April 1, 2023. The current resurgence serves as a reminder of the virus's continued presence and the need for sustained vigilance.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of adhering to COVID-19 appropriate behavior, including wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing. While the current variants appear to be mild, continued monitoring and responsible behavior are essential to prevent a larger outbreak.
