India’s active COVID-19 caseload has once again crossed the 4,000 mark, reaching 4,866 as of June 5, 2025. This highlights a sharp increase from the 257 active cases reported merely two weeks ago on May 22. Although the numbers are significantly lower than in past waves, the rapid growth has prompted health officials to issue fresh advisories.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare confirmed that most cases remain mild and hospitalization rates are currently low, but authorities are taking no chances.

State-Wise Breakdown: Where Are the Cases Rising?

The rise in infections is not uniform across the country. Kerala continues to lead in terms of active COVID-19 cases, with 1,487 reported on 5th June, Thursday, followed by Maharashtra at 576, Gujarat at 508, and Delhi at 562. Other states reporting significant numbers include West Bengal at 538, Karnataka at 436, and Tamil Nadu at 213.

Despite this rise, health authorities emphasize that most of the current infections remain mild. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) noted that the circulating variants—primarily LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—are not associated with severe illness in most cases. Among these, LF.7, XFG, and JN.1 are presently the most prevalent in India.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 on its ‘Variants Under Monitoring’ list. This classification suggests that while these strains warrant attention due to mutations, they have not yet shown characteristics that would qualify them as ‘Variants of Concern’.

Delhi recorded 105 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking its year-to-date total to 562. Kerala and Maharashtra, while seeing slight reductions in daily infections, continue to have the highest overall case numbers.

Maharashtra reported 59 new cases, including 20 in Mumbai. Since January 1 this year, the state has seen 873 infections, making it one of the most affected regions after Kerala.

Deaths Mostly Linked to Comorbidities

India reported seven COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours. Health ministry officials clarified that four out of the five deceased were elderly individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and pneumonia.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized that many recent deaths had more to do with underlying health issues than with COVID-19 itself. “This variant has shown mild symptoms in most patients. Still, we’re fully prepared,” he assured.

Government’s Response: Ready, Not Alarmed

Despite the low severity of cases, both central and state governments have ramped up preparedness measures:

• Hospitals and clinics—both government and private—have been asked to ensure adequate oxygen supply, ICU beds, and essential medications.
• Health infrastructure in high-risk states is being reviewed to avoid any last-minute emergency.

“We’ve updated all our infrastructure—oxygen, beds, ventilators—to be ready for any situation,” said Karnataka’s Health Minister. “There’s no need to panic, but people should maintain hygiene and immunocompromised individuals must wear masks.”

Precautionary Measures in Schools and Colleges

In Karnataka, schools and colleges have begun taking preventive steps. Students, teachers, and non-teaching staff have been spotted wearing masks and practising social distancing. Though not mandated, these voluntary efforts reflect growing awareness and responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has demanded a status report from the Centre regarding sample collection and testing infrastructure, highlighting the judiciary’s proactive role in pandemic preparedness.

COVID-19 Variants in Circulation: What’s New?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified several sub variants circulating in the country, including:

• LF.7
• XFG
• JN.1
• NB.1.8.1

Among these, LF.7, XFG, and JN.1 are currently the most dominant. Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 as “Variants Under Monitoring”, which means they have mutations worth watching but are not yet classified as dangerous. The good news is that these variants have so far caused only mild symptoms in the vast majority of cases.

What You Should Do Now

While the situation is under control, experts and authorities urge citizens to take basic precautions:

• Wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if you’re elderly or immunocompromised.
• Maintain hand hygiene and avoid touching your face.
• Stay home if symptomatic and get tested promptly.
• Follow local advisories and health updates regularly.

India’s current COVID-19 surge is not an emergency—but it is a reminder. The virus may no longer dominate headlines, but its unpredictability remains. A rapid rise in cases from fewer than 300 to over 4,000 in under two weeks is proof of how quickly things can change.

Thanks to improved infrastructure, widespread awareness, and rapid response systems, India is better prepared than ever. But community participation is key.