COVID-19 in India: Active COVID cases climb to 1,009 from 257 last week

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A COVID-19 ward set up at New Government General Hospital in Vijayawada. File. | Photo Credit: G.N. Rao

India on Monday (May 26, 2025) reported a total of 1,009 active COVID cases in the country. The number stood at 257 on May 19 with the State of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra reporting a spike in cases.

According to the Health Ministry COVID variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, were found in India recently. One case of NB.1.8.1 was reported in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were detected in May. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified both LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). These variants are reportedly behind the surge in COVID-19 cases in China and other parts of Asia.

Also read | What’s behind the recent Covid-19 spike in India?

The Health Ministry reviewed the COVID-19 cases late last week and said that cases have been reported mainly from States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka etc.

“It may be noted that there is a robust pan India system for surveillance of respiratory illnesses including Covid-19 through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR’s pan India respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network. It is observed that most of these cases are mild and under home care,’’ it said following the meeting.

COVID-19 status in India

Of the 1,009 active cases, 430 are from Kerala, which added 335 cases since May 19. Maharashtra stands second in the tally with 209 cases, 153 of which have been reported since last week, along with four deaths. Delhi added 99 cases, taking its count to 104.

Overall, the country has reported an increase of 752 cases and seven deaths in the last week, while 305 people have been cured or discharged.

Source: MoHFW COVID-19 dashboard

Officials added that there are reports regarding the increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries in the recent past.

“It has been ascertained from the respective National IHR focal points that there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to the previously circulating variants. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely,’’ said a release issued by the Ministry.

Published - May 26, 2025 12:44 pm IST

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