India has reported 164 new Covid-19 cases since May 12, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant amid a surge of infections in Southeast Asia. The central government convened a high-level review meeting to assess the situation, with experts reassuring that the Covid-19 situation in India remains under control.
Covid-19 Variants and Cases in India
The recent rise in Covid-19 cases in neighboring countries like Singapore and Hong Kong has raised concerns across the region. The surge is primarily linked to the JN.1 variant of the virus, a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 strain. Among its mutations, LF.7 and NB.1.8 are the most commonly identified in recent infections.
According to an official source cited by PTI, a meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, and other key health bodies. The consensus was that India’s Covid-19 situation remains manageable, with 257 active cases reported nationwide as of May 19, 2025. Most cases are mild and do not require hospitalization.
State-wise Breakdown of Cases
Kerala leads with 69 new cases, followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34). Karnataka reported eight cases, Gujarat six, Delhi three, and Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim one each. The total active cases in Kerala stand at 95, while the ministry continues to reconcile mortality data.
India has recorded over 4.45 crore recoveries and 5.33 lakh deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Deaths in Mumbai Not Covid-Related
Two deaths reported at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital sparked brief concern, but authorities clarified these were due to serious underlying illnesses, not Covid-19. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged the public not to panic, emphasizing that Covid-19 is now considered endemic with very few active cases.
BMC is actively monitoring the situation and has designated special hospital beds for Covid patients, with capacity to expand if necessary.
Rising Cases in Southeast Asia
Neighboring countries have reported a rise in Covid-19 infections. Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection warns of sustained Covid activity over the coming weeks, with a recent 12-month peak in severe cases. Singapore’s Ministry of Health reported a jump from 11,100 to 14,200 cases in a single week.
Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted on social media that periodic Covid waves are expected throughout the year. Meanwhile, South Korea has extended its seasonal vaccination campaign, urging seniors to get inoculated with the updated JN.1-targeted vaccine.
China also reported a significant increase in hospital positive test rates in the weeks leading to early May.
WHO Approves Global Pandemic Preparedness Agreement
In response to renewed global concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a global pandemic treaty aimed at improving preparedness and equity in vaccine and drug access.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the treaty’s goal to make the world safer from future pandemic threats by addressing structural inequities exposed during Covid-19.
The agreement is expected to be formally adopted at the World Health Assembly plenary session in Geneva on Tuesday.
Sources By Agencies
