India is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with the death toll in the current wave surpassing 100. As of June 16, 2025, the country's death toll due to COVID-19 has reached 108, with 11 new deaths reported on Monday, marking the highest single-day increase in the current wave. Kerala is the most affected state, reporting the highest number of new cases and deaths.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 119 new cases across India in the past 24 hours. Kerala leads with 87 new cases, followed by Maharashtra (38), Uttar Pradesh (37), Delhi (33), and Rajasthan (30). The total number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 7,264.
Kerala has recorded the highest number of deaths since January 2025, with 35 fatalities. Maharashtra follows with 28 deaths, Delhi with 12, and Karnataka with 11. Tamil Nadu has reported 7 deaths, Madhya Pradesh 4, and Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan each have reported 2 deaths. West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand have each reported 1 death.
The rise in cases is suspected to be driven by new sub-variants of the virus. Health officials have noted that current infections appear to be mild, with most cases managed at home with symptomatic treatment. However, they caution that the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are more vulnerable to severe illness.
Kerala has been a focal point of the COVID-19 situation in India. On June 10, 2025, the state reported 2,053 cases, the highest in the country. As of that date, there were 2,223 active cases in Kerala, with 96 individuals hospitalized. Ernakulam district has the highest number of cases with 431, followed by Kottayam with 426 and Thiruvananthapuram with 365 cases.
The state government has taken steps to address the rising cases. Health Minister Veena George chaired a meeting of the State Rapid Response Team, emphasizing the importance of wearing masks in public places, during travel, and in closed spaces. All hospitals have been instructed to test individuals with respiratory symptoms and ensure adequate oxygen facilities. Private hospitals have been asked to avoid unnecessary referrals of COVID-19 cases to major hospitals.
In response to the recent increase in cases, the central government has initiated mock drills across hospitals nationwide to evaluate the availability of critical resources such as oxygen supply, ventilators, and essential medicines. These drills aim to ensure that the healthcare system is prepared to handle potential surges in cases effectively.
The public is advised to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. These include wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and practicing cough etiquette. Avoiding unnecessary hospital visits is also recommended.
