India is once again witnessing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with irregular outbreaks being reported across metro cities and tier-2 towns. According to recent data:
Delhi registered 23 new cases in a single day as of May 24, 2025, sparking immediate action from health officials.
On May 24, 2025, Bengaluru identified 15 new infections, including 3 infants, pointing to potential household transmission.
Visakhapatnam saw an alarming cluster of Omicron sub-lineage cases, prompting the Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences to set up a dedicated 20-bed COVID-19 ward.
Uttar Pradesh districts like Ghaziabad and Noida reported new infections and hospital admissions, reinforcing the need for precautionary measures
While the absolute numbers are modest compared to the peak waves of 2020 and 2021, health authorities are urging preparedness over panic.
“We should not let our guard down. So continue masking, continue social distancing, and then continue working from home. Avoid any kind of unnecessary travel, avoid any kind of unnecessary gathering.” - Dr. P.S. Chandra, Professor of Neurosurgery at AIIMS Delhi, as reported by ET.
The rise in cases is largely attributed to the KP.1 and KP.2 variants, nicknamed the “FLiRT” variants (short for specific spike protein mutations).
These are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which itself was a sub-lineage of Omicron.
While more transmissible, early indicators show these variants do not lead to severe illness or significantly increased hospitalisations.
The Centres for Disease Control and other international agencies have flagged similar upticks globally due to these strains.
Both central and state governments are adopting a proactive stance without inciting alarm. Hospitals across the country have been instructed to stock up on oxygen supplies, prepare dedicated isolation wards, and audit existing vaccine inventories. Surveillance efforts are being intensified through INSACOG genome sequencing labs to monitor the spread and evolution of new variants. States like Maharashtra and Kerala have activated digital health monitoring systems to track emerging clusters and respond swiftly.
Social Voices: Reactions from India’s Digital Creators
“More than 70% of India’s health expenditure is currently out-of-pocket. This is ridiculous. All of us living in the top 20 cities should have a health cover of at least 10- 25 L, depending on where you live. I have a 1Cr health cover.”
— Sharan Hegde, Finance Influencer
This underscores his advocacy for prioritising health as a critical component of financial well-being.
India continues to benefit from its high vaccination coverage:
97% of adults have received at least two doses.
Booster drive is ongoing, but there’s been a drop in public enthusiasm, especially among youth.
Health officials recommend booster shots for seniors and immunocompromised individuals in outbreak areas.
Mask up in crowded or closed spaces
Wash hands regularly
Get tested if symptomatic
Avoid spreading unverified information
Stay informed, not alarmed
Even though many are tired of ongoing pandemic restrictions, there is a quiet sense of shared responsibility returning. Some universities, event organisers, and public offices have brought back optional masking and remote work choices. Cultural influencers are encouraging people to stay informed without causing unnecessary alarm.
The recent rise in COVID-19 cases in India is a clear reminder that viruses can resurface, even when they become endemic. The focus now is not on reinstating lockdowns, but on maintaining vigilance, practising responsible behaviour, and staying prepared. History has shown us that collective public effort is key to controlling any surge.
Source: Economic Times, LinkedIn, TOI