India is currently witnessing a rise in active COVID-19 cases, with the total number crossing the 5,000 mark. According to the Union Health Ministry data, the total number of infected people in the country is 5,364 as of June 6, 2025. This increase has prompted concerns and discussions among health officials and the public alike.
Kerala is reporting the highest number of active cases, standing at 1,679. Other states with a significant number of cases include Maharashtra (548), Delhi (592), Karnataka (451), Tamil Nadu (221), West Bengal (596) and Gujarat (605). Uttar Pradesh is also seeing a rise with 198 cases.
In the last 24 hours, India reported 4 deaths. Two deaths were reported in Kerala, and one each in Karnataka and Punjab. Additionally, Odisha has reported its first COVID-19 death; the deceased was an 80-year-old man suffering from multiple serious diseases.
The recent increase has been relatively rapid. On June 5, 2025, the number of active cases was 4,866, indicating a rise of nearly 500 cases in a single day. Experts suggest the current wave might be driven by new coronavirus variants, specifically NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are mutations of the Omicron offspring JN.1 variant. These variants are known for spreading quickly between people.
In response to the rising cases, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory for schools, asking guardians to refrain from sending children with cold, cough, fever and other related symptoms to school. Health experts are emphasizing the importance of tracking the source and transmission of the new cases. Dr. Sujeet Singh, former director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), suggests that communities with a surge in flu-like symptoms leading to COVID-19 hospitalizations should undergo epidemiological investigations to understand and halt the transmission.
The Union Health Ministry has advised the public to adhere to essential hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and following cough etiquette, as well as avoiding crowded places if unwell. While the rise in cases is a concern, experts also suggest that increased testing in individuals with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) or acute respiratory infections (ARI) could be a contributing factor to the increased numbers.
