India COVID-19 Surge : India is once again facing a rise in COVID-19 cases, signaling what many are calling a second wave at the close of May 2025. While not as devastating as earlier waves, the uptick in infections across states has reignited health precautions and state-level advisories. From mild symptoms to concerns over variants, here’s where things currently stand and what people need to know.

3,300+ Active Cases and Growing State Wise Concerns in India’s COVID-19 Second Wave

India is facing a second peak of COVID-19 infections at the end of May 2025. Following a period of relative quiet, with low infection rates, there is a new spike in different parts of the country. The number of cases had now topped 3,300, prompting alarm in multiple state health departments and rekindling conversations about public health readiness, vaccination campaigns and surveillance systems.

Though not yet at the alarming levels of the pandemic, the sudden increase is a reminder that the virus is still mutating and circulating and demands vigilance.

The Covid Situation In The Country

India, through its Union Health Ministry dashboard and several Indian news reports, has recorded over 3,300 confirmed cases. Updated data on May 31, 2025 indicates a modest but significant rise compared to months before.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other health experts are keeping a close eye on this increase though hospitalizations are low. Most active cases are recovering in home isolation, with milder symptoms and better immunity compared to last year after getting infected or receiving vaccine shots.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the country’s positivity rate is under control, but the sudden surge in some states has led authorities to come up with more guidelines for those who face higher risk, including elderly and people with comorbidities.

States With Cases

The comeback is not the same everywhere. Seven states have become current hot spots, with each reporting more than 100 active cases. These are:

• Kerala
• Maharashtra
• Delhi
• Haryana
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Uttar Pradesh

Top on the list is Kerala which still has the maximum number of active COVID-19 cases. The state has been consistently signaling over 1,200 active cases while every one else is far less. Kerala’s health infrastructure is still solid, and even as the state government has stepped up its public advisories encouraging citizens to be careful.

However, Maharashtra, which has historically been a COVID-19 hub, with a surge in cases, has now passed 400. The state’s health department has stepped up genomic surveillance for emerging variants.

Delhi and Haryana have also crossed 300 active cases. Not yet a major strain on hospitals, officials in those states have begun to send out precautionary advisories. Delhi would be particularly vulnerable to an explosive outbreak because of its vast population and constant movement of people.

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh have been telling you between 100 and 200 cases each. These states are monitoring daily positivity rates and advising people with flu-like symptoms to get tested.

Minor Symptoms but Unknown Variants

Despite the surge, most of the infections currently being reported are leading to mild symptoms. The most frequently mentioned symptoms are mild fever, sore throat, headache, feel of fatigue, and dry cough. Hospitalizations continue to be infrequent and mostly cautious, even among individuals with existing health problems.

One big concern is the virus’s potential to mutate. As these sub-variants become more common, the Health Ministry has urged for enhanced genomic surveillance. In April and May 2025, Indian labs sequenced hundreds of samples, in which it was found new recombinant variants were present similar to XBB.1.16 and other descendants of Omicron.

But none of the new variants that have been reported to date seem to be causing a more severe form of the disease, or getting around the body’s immunity to a worrisome extent. Vaccines remain highly effective at protecting against severe illness.

Testing and Surveillance

Daily COVID-19 testing has also increased somewhat after its recent surge. States are doing an average 30,000 to 50,000 tests a day now, a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen.

As the positivity rate surges in various places, state governments have been advising private hospitals and clinics to transfer the COVID-19 test results to the IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme) immediately. Surveillance officers are being instructed to closely monitor trends for flu-like illness and SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) overall, in order to identify any surges early.

The MoHFW dashboard also ensures the positivity rate of the tests conducted is well under submission nationwide hinting minimal community transmission for the time being.

Vaccination Progress and Booster Doses

India, which has vaccinated a significant number of people, continues to see strong evidence that vaccines are protecting people from severe illness and hospitalization. More than 2.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given in the country as of May 2025.

Although most adults have received their primary vaccine series, boosters, particularly second and third boosters, continue to vary by state. The government is now focusing on booster shots for high-risk groups such as senior citizens, frontline workers and people with preexisting conditions.

Health authorities are reviewing guidance for eligibility for a booster dose in light of the recent surge in new cases and aiming to raise public awareness regarding the importance of staying current with vaccinations.

Public Health Advisory and Government Action

The Ministry of Health has not yet ordered new movement restrictions or lockdowns. But local authorities have been given the independent power to roll out deconfinement measures if they see fit.

The core range of typical advisory messages that are being reiterated at present include:

• The wearing of masks in crowded indoor settings
• Washing your hands often
• Stay at home if you start feeling sick with flu-like symptoms
• Being tested sooner if you have symptoms
• Being current on vaccines, especially those at increased risk

Already, Kerala and Maharashtra have released advisories of their own, asking people to refrain from mass gatherings and to exercise vigilance at healthcare facilities.

They have continued to function as usual at schools, colleges and workplaces, though some places have brought back optional mask mandates and temperature screenings.

Health System Readiness

Health departments are already being asked to evaluate the infrastructure of their own COVID-19 response. Readiness drills have not been scheduled, and hospitalizations are not increasing, but supply chain and oxygen availability, additional ICU beds and emergency protocols are in place when and if necessary.

Healthcare workers have also been specifically told to stay on the lookout for individuals who might be suffering from abnormal respiratory symptoms; and public hospitals are required to stockpile essential medications and equipment, such as PPE and antiviral drugs.

This approach of being on the offensive is one part of the wider “test, track, treat” policy that continues to inform India’s approach to waves.

Mentally: You’ve Got Pandemic Fatigue

Although the caseload is small, the public is feeling tired and immunized against COVID-19 information. Still, experts caution they are no time for complacency, with misinformation and obliviousness potentially resulting in delays in tests and isolation, leading to further spread.

And mental health experts also remind us, for especially those who get anxious whenever they hear infections are on the up and up, that coping strategies, too, are key. Keeping up with accurate sources, avoiding doomscrolling and following daily routines can help with stress during uncertain times.

Looking Ahead on India COVID-19 Surge

“It’s too early to call whether it will turn into a big spike or fizzle out with a chorus of ‘I told you so’,” he says. But India has bounced back from previous surges and its experience of various waves in the past has left the public health system with important lessons.

The emphasis now is staying responsible without creating mass hysteria. Experts advise to remain informed, follow regular safety practices and get a vaccine update if needed.

The coming couple of weeks are critical to understanding where that uptick is going. Better insights about whether more stringent measures will be necessary to curb the spread are expected shortly, when surveillance data and testing trends and genomic sequencing findings are released.

FAQs

How many cases of COVID-19 are in India at the current time?

India has over 3,300 active COVID-19 cases as on May 31, 2025.

Which is the state with most cases now?

At the moment, Kerala is the state with the most active cases, with over 1,200 infections.

Is the current diarrhea due to COVID-19 severe?

Most new cases have mild symptoms – including low-grade fever, fatigue, a sore throat and a dry cough. Hospitalizations remain low.

If I’ve already had two vaccines, do I need a booster?

Yes. Thus, booster doses, particularly in at-risk groups, are highly recommended to provide additional protection against new variants.

Do I need to wear a mask again?

Though not a requirement across the country, people are encouraged to use masks in crowded indoor settings as a prevention measure, particularly in states where cases are spiking.

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Reference

COVID-19 update: India now has over 3,300 active cases; THESE 8 states report more than 100 cases

Covid cases cross 2,700, 7 deaths reported. Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi worst hit

COVID-19 Statewise Status