Over the past few days, you may have seen headlines warning of a “fresh rise in COVID-19 cases” in India. While this news may sound worrying, the reality on the ground is far more reassuring than it appears. The increase in cases is small, the illness is generally mild, and India’s health systems are well-prepared. Most importantly, we now have the tools, knowledge, and resilience to manage this situation without fear.
Let us break this down clearly and calmly.
What’s Happening?
As of May 19, 2025, India has reported a total of 257 active COVID-19 cases. Daily updates from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare show that while numbers have increased slightly from earlier this month, the situation remains firmly under control.
On May 12, India saw 164 new cases, with Kerala alone accounting for 69. Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu continue to report the bulk of these cases—together accounting for over 85% of active cases nationwide. Kerala has reported 273 cases in May so far, mostly from districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kottayam. In Maharashtra, Mumbai saw 30 new cases on May 24, contributing to the state’s total of 56. Tamil Nadu is currently reporting 66 active cases. Smaller numbers have been recorded in Delhi (23), Karnataka (13), Puducherry (10), Gujarat (7), Rajasthan (2), Haryana (1), Sikkim (1), and West Bengal (1).
These are not alarming numbers in a country of over 1.4 billion people. India continues to maintain one of the world’s strongest surveillance systems for respiratory illnesses, especially fever. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) teams in each district regularly track unusual clusters and seasonal spikes, helping the government stay a step ahead of new outbreaks.
What Variants Are Circulating?
The JN.1 variant, an Omicron sub-variant, is currently the most dominant strain in India. It accounts for around 53% of recent cases, according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). It spreads easily but, like other Omicron sub-variants, causes mild illness in most people.
Other variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have also been detected in small numbers. These are under observation globally, but so far, they have not shown signs of causing severe illness.
Mild Symptoms, Quick Recovery
The good news is that most people are not getting seriously ill. Symptoms resemble those of a common cold or seasonal flu and include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough (usually dry)
- Sore throat and runny nose
- Fatigue
- Headache and body ache
- Diarrhoea (more commonly reported with JN.1)
- Itchy or red eyes (especially with the XBB.1.16/“Arcturus” variant seen earlier)
Importantly, most cases are being managed at home, with very few needing hospital admission. COVID-related deaths are rare and usually involve people with multiple underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or advanced age.
Why the Situation Is Different Now
Unlike the early years of the pandemic, India today has strong immunity built through a combination of widespread vaccination and past infections—also known as “hybrid immunity.” Over 2.2 billion vaccine doses have been administered in India so far, including primary and booster doses. This has helped reduce the severity of illness even if infections occur.
Additionally, India’s public health system is more experienced now. We have enhanced oxygen infrastructure, digital health monitoring tools, and clearly defined clinical management protocols. States are conducting mock drills to ensure readiness at health facilities. The government is also actively testing for new variants through INSACOG, and vaccine stockpiles are being monitored centrally.
What the Experts Say
Leading public health experts have consistently stressed that there is no cause for alarm. According to noted virologist Dr. T. Jacob John, “the rise in cases is expected and not worrying. Viruses will continue to mutate and circulate, but thanks to existing immunity, the impact on health is minimal.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not raised any global alerts regarding these variants. India’s proactive risk communication and surveillance strategies have been acknowledged internationally.
Why You Should Not Panic
In times of uncertainty, fear often spreads faster than facts. It’s important to remember:
- The number of active cases is still very low.
- The disease is mostly mild and not overwhelming hospitals.
- Vaccination continues to protect people against serious illness.
- Fever surveillance in India is among the best globally, helping detect patterns early.
- Government agencies are alert and fully engaged in monitoring the situation.
If you or someone around you gets sick, the first step is not to panic but to consult a doctor and follow standard medical advice. Most likely, it will be a mild flu-like illness.
Simple Precautions Still Work
We don’t need lockdowns or mass restrictions. But a few basic precautions can go a long way:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitiser.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces or when visiting hospitals.
- Keep your rooms well-ventilated.
- Stay home if you are unwell to avoid spreading illness.
- Check your vaccination status—get your booster if eligible.
Remember, protecting elderly family members or those with chronic illnesses remains important. If you are visiting such individuals, take extra care with hygiene and masking.
A Calm, Balanced Approach
COVID-19 is now behaving like many other respiratory viruses—seasonal, occasionally rising, but largely manageable. It is no longer a public health emergency, but a disease we know how to deal with.
We must stay informed, not anxious. Sensational headlines should not dictate our response. Instead, trust data, listen to health authorities, and take rational precautions. By doing so, we protect not just ourselves, but also our communities.
India has walked a long road since 2020. We are stronger, wiser, and better prepared than ever before. A calm and responsible response is all we need to tide us over this phase.
