India Records 2,170 Active Covid Cases Amid New Wave; Kerala Worst-Hit, Govt Urges Vigilance

New Delhi: Amid a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections, India has reported 511 new cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the active case tally to 2,170, according to the Health Ministry’s update on Saturday.

The country has also seen an increase in recoveries, with 255 patients discharged or migrated in the same period.

Since January 1, 2025, the cumulative number of deaths has reached 22, with Maharashtra reporting the highest toll at 7, followed by Kerala with 5 and Delhi with 2 deaths.

Kerala remains the worst-affected state with 1,147 active cases, followed by Maharashtra (424), Delhi (294), and Gujarat (223).

The number of cumulative recoveries since January 1 stands at 1,170. Kerala (72), Delhi (77), and Maharashtra (34) recorded the highest number of recoveries on Friday, signaling positive signs amid rising infections.

According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), which functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the surge in infections is attributed to the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 sub-lineages—both descendants of the JN.1 Covid variant.

While these newer variants have shown signs of immune evasion, global health authorities have not raised alarm bells. “So far, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not classified either LF.7 or NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs),” the ministry stated.

Preliminary findings suggest that the current variants are associated with mild illness. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and exhaustion.

Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), sought to reassure the public, saying: “There is nothing to worry about as the infections are not severe.”

He added that the government is not letting its guard down: “We are actively monitoring the cases.” However, he cautioned that the public and authorities must not be complacent: “There is a need for increasing vigilance, and to be prepared in case of a surge in cases.”

In response to the rising numbers, the Delhi government has issued precautionary directives. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said all hospitals in the national capital have been asked to ensure the availability of critical resources.

“The government is closely monitoring Covid cases and there is no panic situation,” Gupta said. “Hospitals have been instructed to ensure the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines.”

While the numbers remain significantly lower than during past waves, experts and officials continue to emphasize readiness and awareness to prevent a wider outbreak.