Tejal Somvanshi
India is facing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, with active infections nearing the 6,000 mark nationwide. The uptick has prompted both state governments and the central health ministry to issue advisories and step up preparedness measures.
As of June 7, 2025, India has 5,755 active COVID-19 cases, with Kerala reporting the highest number of infections, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi. In the last 24 hours alone, Kerala and Gujarat reported 100+ new cases, West Bengal 50+, and Delhi 30, contributing to a nationwide spike of around 500 new infections.
The country has recorded 59 COVID-related deaths since January this year. Maharashtra has reported the highest toll with 18 deaths, followed by Kerala with 12, Delhi with 7, and Karnataka with 7. Most of these fatalities occurred among people with pre-existing health conditions.
“Most cases are mild and managed under home care,” health ministry officials stated. The symptoms of the current COVID wave remain similar to previous Omicron variants – sore throat, cough, muscle aches, fever, and nasal congestion. Some patients also report stomach issues. Loss of taste and smell, once a hallmark of earlier COVID variants, is now less common.
New Variants Driving the Surge
Health experts identify a new Omicron sub-variant called NB.1.8.1 as the primary driver behind the current wave. Other variants including JN.1 and LF.7 are also circulating. The World Health Organization has classified these as “variants under monitoring.”
These new variants appear more contagious but not necessarily more dangerous. Scientists explain that while NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily due to changes in its structure, there’s no evidence suggesting it causes more severe illness than previous variants.
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Government Response
In response to rising cases, the central government has directed states to conduct mock drills to check hospital readiness. States must ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.
The Union Health Ministry has also instructed states to increase genome sequencing of positive samples to track emerging variants. Testing is now focused on hospitalized patients with severe respiratory symptoms and a sample of people with flu-like symptoms.
Several states have issued their own advisories. Odisha has advised people with COVID symptoms to avoid the upcoming Rath Yatra festival in Puri. Haryana’s health minister Arti Singh Rao urged vigilance while assuring the public there’s “no need to panic.”
Health experts and the Indian Medical Association are emphasizing a measured approach – caution without alarm. The standard preventive measures remain familiar: wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene, and getting tested if symptoms appear.
With 5,484 recoveries reported since January, the health system appears to be managing the current surge without the overwhelming pressure seen during previous waves. The experience and infrastructure developed during past COVID waves are helping authorities respond more effectively to this latest challenge.
