Covid-19 Toll Hits 26: What Precautions Are States Taking Amid Rising Cases?

Last Updated:June 01, 2025, 13:51 IST

India reported 685 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, with active cases at 3,395. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi are worst-hit.

Centre is on high alert amid rising cases (AP File)

Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, many states have started taking precautions to curb the infection. With India reporting 685 new cases in the last 24 hours, the active coronavirus case tally in the country stands at 3,395.

Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi are the worst-hit states in the latest wave. As per official data, the active infections have surged from from 257 on May 22 to 3,395 as of June 1.

Toll Now 26, Most Cases in Kerala

Further, four deaths – one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh- have also been recorded on Friday. This year, India has seen 26 deaths.

Kerala tops the list of active Covid-19 case chart with 1,336 infections as it reported 189 fresh cases on Friday, according to Health Ministry data.

Kerala is followed by Maharashtra (467), Delhi (375), Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185) and Uttar Pradesh (117), Rajasthan (60), Puducherry (41), Haryana (26), Andhra Pradesh (17) and Madhya Pradesh (16). Other states are also seeing a surge in Covid-19 cases.

What’s Driving Covid Surge In India

The latest surge is being driven by the new variants that are sub-variants of Omicron variant, a strain that was behind the big Covid wave in India in 2022, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

These new variants are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1, said ICMR. However, Rajiv Behl, Director General of the ICMR has said that there is no need to worryy.

Meanwhile, Union minister of state for health and AYUSH (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav on Friday asserted that the Centre is fully prepared to manage any developing situation in regard to Covid-19.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “Both our Central Health Department and the AYUSH Ministry are fully alert and closely monitoring the situation across all states. We have spoken with the respective Health and AYUSH Secretaries, as well as other concerned ministers."

Precautions Taken By States:

• Karnataka: The Karnataka health department is actively tracking and managing the situation by focusing mainly on prevention, early detection, and patient care. As Covid-19 trends might shift, strict vigilance and adherence to guidelines remain essential.An advisory was also sent to Health Care Workers (HCWs) in all healthcare areas across the state. The advisory listed key instructions for healthcare staff: regularly screen and report cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), and cases with co-morbidities through the P-Form on the IDSP-IHIP platform.
• Delhi: Earlier on May 23, the Delhi government advised city hospitals to ensure they had sufficient beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines to battle Covid-19 wave.

Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday reassured the public that they need not worry as the govt will handle the situation. CM Gupta said, “19 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised in Delhi, but there is no need to worry. The Delhi government is alert and hospitals are prepared to deal with any eventuality."

The advisory emphasised on the need of all medical equipments — including ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA units — being in working condition.

• Odisha: While in Odisha, Health Secretary Aswathy S on Saturday asked the public not to panic. She confirmed that all Covid-19 patients in the state were stable.

“The latest ICMR report says that the present variant does not exhibit severe symptoms, and most cases are mild. Also, the Centre has not issued any guidelines, but advised all to remain vigilant in the wake of the changing weather," she said.

All the state are actively monitoring the Covid-19 trends to tackle any potential threat.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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Delhi, India, India

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