As of today, June 2, 2025, COVID-19 in India has made a visible return, with active corona cases in India now exceeding 1,000 across the country. The primary reason for this increase is still the JN.1 variant, which is a known type of Omicron.
While this increase in numbers is something to be aware of, it’s significant to remember that health officials are carefully monitoring the situation. They’re requesting everyone to stay alert and continue with the precautionary measures we’ve become accustomed with. The good news is, the overall situation is still significantly manageable, and there’s no need to panic.
COVID-19 in India – What’s Happening with the Virus?
The JN.1 variant remains to be the most common version of the virus we’re currently seeing in India. It’s quite contagious, meaning it can spread easily from person to person. It also has a ability for sometimes slipping past our immune defences, even if we’ve had COVID before or are vaccinated. About 53% of all cases that undergo genetic testing in India are recognized as JN.1. Thankfully, majority of the people who get infected with JN.1 experience mild symptoms, and they can usually recover easily at home. This helps prevent the hospitals from getting overloaded.
But viruses are continually evolving, and this brings new challenges. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) recently identified a couple of new variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. These are basically newer versions, or “cousins,” of the JN.1 variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified them as “Variants Under Monitoring,” which specifies they’re keeping a very close eye on their spread and characteristics.
NB.1.8.1 has been spotted in international travelers arriving in the US and is contributing to some case increases in China. Meanwhile, LF.7 has been found right here in India, precisely in Gujarat. Early observations advocate that these newer variants aren’t significantly better at evading our immune systems than the older ones, and they also seem to cause mild illness. This is comforting, as it indicates that our healthcare system should continue to manage the current situation efficiently.
Where Are Cases Rising in India?
Observing the latest data, as of May 26, 2025, India reported 1,009 active COVID-19 cases. This is a visible jump from just 257 active cases recorded a week prior, on May 19. This increase in corona cases in India is mostly concentrated in a few states, mostly in the southern and western regions:
- Kerala leads the country with 430 active cases. It has seen the most substantial increase this past week.
- Maharashtra is reporting 209 active cases.
- Delhi has 104 active cases.
- Gujarat has 83 active cases, and this is where the LF.7 variant was recently detected.
- Karnataka reports 47 active cases.
- Uttar Pradesh has 15 active cases.
- West Bengal shows 12 active cases.
Apart from these state figures, major metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have also experienced minor but notable rise in their individual case counts. Proactively, hospitals in Kolkata have even reestablished various precautionary measures, despite not having several local cases directly linked to this current wave. This shows a forward-thinking approach to being prepared. It’s also worth noticing that Bihar and Jharkhand have reported their first cases in this recent surge.
Even with these growing numbers, health officials are consistently highlighting that most people who are getting sick are undergoing through mild symptoms and don’t require hospitalization. This is a crucial point when evaluating the current state of COVID-19 in India.
How is COVID-19 Doing Around the World?
The JN.1 variant and its novel versions aren’t just a concern for COVID-19 in India; numerous countries globally are also experiencing similar increases in cases. This highlights how interrelated our world is and how fast viruses can spread:
- Singapore saw its weekly cases jump from around 11,000 in late April to over 14,000 by early May.
- Thailand experienced a very sharp increase, with reported cases skyrocketing from 6,000 to over 33,000 in just a few days.
- Hong Kong reported 1,042 new cases during the week of May 10.
- China is facing substantial pressure on its hospital systems due to the widespread transmission of various Omicron subvariants, including the NB.1.8.1 variant, which is contributing to increased patient numbers.
- In the United States, the NB.1.8.1 variant has been precisely detected in international travelers, highlighting how international travel plays a crucial role in the global spread of new strains.
These global trends serve as a powerful reminder that we all have to stay aware, work together, and have strong public health plans in place to efficiently manage and decrease the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
COVID-19 in 2025 – Who Needs to Be Most Careful?
While majority of the current corona cases in India are mild, some groups of people are more likely to experience more severe illness and problems. It’s really important for these individuals to be extra cautious:
- People over 60 years old: As we age, our immune systems naturally become less robust, making older adults significantly more susceptible to severe COVID-19, hospitalization, and even death.
- People with existing health problems: Individuals living with chronic health conditions like diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2), several heart diseases (including coronary artery disease and heart failure), chronic respiratory issues (like asthma and COPD), chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease (like stroke), dementia, and other chronic lung diseases are at a significantly higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications.
- People with weakened immune systems: This critical group comprises of patients undergoing active cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation), those who have received organ or stem cell transplants, people with uncontrolled or advanced HIV infection, and anyone taking high-dose corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications. Their weakened immune systems make it tougher for them to defend themselves against the virus.
- Pregnant women and young children: While normally at lower risk for severe outcomes than older adults or those with other health conditions, these groups need special consideration and heightened caution due to their unique physiological factors.
- Unvaccinated individuals: A large and consistent body of evidence shows that individuals who stayed unvaccinated or haven’t received suggested booster doses are at a considerably higher risk of getting infected, experiencing symptoms, requiring hospitalization, and facing serious outcomes compared to those who are vaccinated.
If you fall into one of these groups, it’s important to exercise a higher degree of caution and to firmly follow all recommended preventive measures to efficiently protect your health.
Simple Steps to Stay Safe
To effectively slow down the spread of COVID-19 in India, particularly with the current variants circulating, it’s vital to adopt and constantly practice the following evidence-based public health measures:
- Wear a Mask: It’s strongly recommended that you wear a well-fitted, good-quality mask, especially when you’re in crowded indoor places, using public transportation, or visiting healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics. Masks act as a vital physical barrier, reducing the inhalation and exhalation of respiratory droplets that can transport the virus.
- Wash Your Hands: You must regularly and cautiously wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This stays to be a fundamental practice for preventing infections. If soap and water aren’t accessible, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an effective alternative for quickly cleaning your hands.
- Keep Your Distance: Keeping a safe physical distance from others in public spaces, mainly from individuals who appear unwell or are showing respiratory symptoms, helps decrease the chances of droplet transmission.
- Ventilate Spaces: Ensuring good airflow in indoor environments is quite significant. You can do this by opening windows and doors when possible, or by using air purifiers with HEPA filters to efficiently remove airborne viral particles and improve indoor air quality.
- Get Vaccinated: Staying fully up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including all recommended booster doses, is possibly the most impactful individual action you can take to avoid severe illness. Annual booster doses are precisely advised for susceptible populations like seniors, individuals with chronic health conditions, frontline healthcare workers, and those who are immunocompromised, to maintain strong protection.
- Watch for Symptoms: Everyone should be aware of their own health and pay attention to any evolving COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or loss of taste/smell. If you start to feel unwell, seek out medical advice on time.
- Isolate and Test: If you develop symptoms, it’s vital that you self-isolate immediately to prevent further transmission. Getting tested for COVID-19 is highly recommended, particularly for those in high-risk groups, to confirm the diagnosis and help guide proper management.
Eat Well, Live Well, Boost Your Immunity
Taking a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in strengthening your body’s natural immune defenses against infectious diseases, including COVID-19 in India:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Make it a priority to eat a diverse and nutrient-rich diet. This should contain a wide range of fresh fruits, colorful vegetables, nourishing whole grains, and lean proteins. Pay special attention to getting enough foods rich in Vitamin C (like citrus fruits and bell peppers) and Vitamin D (like fatty fish and fortified milk) daily. These are both critical for your immune system to work effectively.
- Exercise Regularly: Engaging in reliable, moderate physical activity, custom-made to your individual abilities, is key to enhancing your complete physical and mental health, which in turn supports a tougher immune system.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for a consistent schedule of 7-8 hours of good quality, uninterrupted sleep each night. Adequate rest allows your body to repair and regenerate, optimizing your immune function.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can significantly weaken your immune system. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, deep breathing exercises, or simply engaging in hobbies you enjoy to efficiently manage your stress levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water through the day is important for many bodily functions, including those of your immune system.
Smart Travel Tips for Affected Areas
If you’re planning to travel to some place where corona cases in India or internationally are increasing, it’s smart to plan cautiously and take specific precautions:
- Stay Informed: Before you even begin your journey, it’s vital to diligently check and stay updated on local health advisories, travel restrictions, and any entry requirements for your destination. Official government health websites and embassy guidance are the most reliable sources of this information.
- Take Precautions While Traveling: During your travel and upon arrival, constantly wear masks, particularly in crowded transportation hubs like airports and train stations. Maintain rigorous hand hygiene. It’s also sensible to minimize time spent in thickly populated areas where social distancing might be challenging.
- Monitor Your Health: Travelers should continuously monitor themselves for any emerging symptoms of COVID-19 both during their trip and for at least 10-14 days after their return. If symptoms do appear, seek out instant medical attention and follow the local health protocols for testing and isolation.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, staying well-informed and constantly following these health guidelines are our best tools for managing the current COVID-19 situation in India and worldwide. By taking these simple, proactive steps, we can all contribute to the wider public health effort, significantly helping to slow the spread of the virus and keep our communities healthy. While experts aren’t predicting a large-scale, overwhelming resurgence, it’s always smart to remain watchful and ready to adapt.