Background Context

India has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic since January 2020, when the first cases were reported in Kerala among students returning from Wuhan, China. The country faced devastating waves, particularly in 2021, with over 45 million confirmed cases and more than 533,000 deaths by June 2025, making it the second-highest in confirmed cases globally, after the United States. The current surge, driven by Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, marks a significant uptick after months of low activity. As of June 3, 2025, India’s active caseload has reached 4,026, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi leading the spike. Despite the rise, health authorities emphasize that most cases are mild, and hospitalization rates remain low.

Latest Developments in India’s COVID-19 Surge

As of June 3, 2025, India’s active COVID-19 cases have climbed to 4,026, with 65 new infections reported in the past 24 hours. Delhi recorded 47 new cases, bringing its total to 483, while Kerala reported 35 new infections, with 1,435 active cases, the highest in the country. Maharashtra follows closely with 506 active cases, and other states like Gujarat (338) and West Bengal (339) are also witnessing an uptick. The rise is attributed to the spread of Omicron subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are highly transmissible but not classified as variants of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Tragically, four deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, including a 22-year-old woman in Delhi with pre-existing pulmonary tuberculosis and bilateral lower respiratory tract infection. Other fatalities include a 25-year-old man in Tamil Nadu with bronchial asthma, a 44-year-old man in Maharashtra with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and one death in Kerala, details of which are pending. Since January 2025, India has recorded 32 COVID-related deaths, primarily among individuals with comorbidities.

Health authorities, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, are closely monitoring the situation. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that the current variants are sublineages of Omicron, showing no increased severity. Most patients are recovering under home isolation, and hospitalization rates remain low, with no patients hospitalized in Haryana as of June 2, 2025.

Why Are Cases Rising Again?

Experts attribute the surge to several factors: waning immunity from vaccines administered over a year ago, relaxed public behavior, and the emergence of highly transmissible subvariants. Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, noted, “The lungs of the 22-year-old who died were already damaged, and COVID aggravated her condition. Those with comorbidities need to remain watchful.” The WHO reported a global increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity since mid-February 2025, with a test positivity rate of 11%, driven by regions like South-East Asia.

States like Karnataka, which reported 87 new cases on June 2, are seeing positivity rates as high as 17.2%. Despite the uptick, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured the public that the situation is under control, emphasizing that most infections are mild and not leading to severe outcomes like pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Precautions for the Public

To curb the spread of COVID-19, health experts recommend the following precautions for the general public:

• Stay Vaccinated: Ensure you are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses, as they remain the most effective protection against severe outcomes.
• Wear Masks: Use masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with comorbidities.
• Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Avoid Crowds: Limit exposure in high-risk settings and maintain social distancing where possible.
• Monitor Symptoms: Get tested if you experience symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue, and isolate if positive.
• Seek Medical Advice: Individuals with comorbidities should consult healthcare providers promptly if symptoms appear.

States like Maharashtra and Delhi have issued advisories urging hospitals to maintain ICU beds, oxygen supplies, and testing kits. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant but not panic, as the current variants are less severe.

Government and Health Authority Response

The Indian government is actively responding to the surge. The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over delays in formalizing protocols for sample collection and transport, urging swift action. In Karnataka, schools have been advised not to admit children with symptoms like fever or cough. Maharashtra’s health department has ensured adequate stocks of medicines and PPE kits, while Andhra Pradesh is maintaining vaccine supplies despite no significant spike in cases.

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is monitoring cases nationwide, and genome sequencing by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) is tracking variant spread. Health officials emphasize that the situation remains under under control, with no need for widespread alarm.

Authoritative Sources

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: www.mohfw.gov.in
• World Health Organization: www.who.int
• Indian Council of Medical Research: www.icmr.gov.in

Conclusion

The resurgence of COVID-19 in India, with 4,026 active cases as of June 3, 2025, highlights the need for continued vigilance. While Delhi and Kerala are among the worst-hit, the low hospitalization rates and mild nature of most cases offer reassurance. By adhering to precautions like vaccination, mask-wearing, and hygiene, the public can help mitigate the spread. Health authorities are well-prepared, but individuals, especially those with comorbidities, must remain cautious to stay safe.