India is witnessing a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases, with active infections skyrocketing from just 257 on May 22 to 3,395 by June 1, more than tenfold increase in less than two weeks. In the past 24 hours, the country recorded 685 new cases and four deaths, one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. All four fatalities involved men with underlying health conditions.
Eight states are currently reporting more than 100 active cases:
Kerala:1,336 active cases (leading the surge)
Maharashtra:467 cases
Delhi: 375 cases
Gujarat: 265 cases
Karnataka:234 cases
West Bengal: 205 cases
Tamil Nadu: 185 cases
Uttar Pradesh:117 cases
Kerala alone accounts for over a third of the country’s active infections. Delhi saw the sharpest daily increase, with active cases rising by 81 in a single day.
The surge is attributed to new Omicron subvariants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1, which are more transmissible but not considered more severe. Most patients are experiencing mild symptoms and are being treated at home. In the past day, 265 individuals were discharged from hospitals.
Health authorities, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm and that the situation is being closely monitored. Speaking with the national media ,Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of ICMR said “We have been closely monitoring the situation. At this moment overall, we should monitor, be vigilant but there is no cause to worry”
Inputs: Business Standard, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, India Today, The Times of India
