COVID-19 cases slowly rising in India amid global spread of new variants

India is witnessing a gradual increase in COVID-19 cases once again, with 257 active infections reported nationwide as of May 19, 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. While the current numbers are low and not yet alarming, health experts are closely watching the situation.

The rise in cases coincides with fresh waves of infections seen in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, where newer Omicron subvariants such as JN.1 — known for spreading quickly — are causing concern. Although Indian health authorities have not yet confirmed the presence of these specific subvariants, efforts to increase genome sequencing in selected states are underway to detect any emerging strains early.

A senior official from the health ministry stressed the need for vigilance, saying, “We are not in a state of panic, but vigilance is crucial. COVID-19 is still evolving globally, and we must be ready to respond quickly to any changes.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also urged countries to maintain strong surveillance systems and keep vaccination rates high. In India, booster dose coverage remains modest, and health workers are encouraging vulnerable groups to update their vaccinations promptly.