BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 31, 2025 — India has reported a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, with the daily count reaching 2,710, according to the Union Health Ministry. The surge has raised concerns among health officials, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi emerging as the worst-affected states, accounting for a significant portion of the new infections.
Kerala reported the highest number of cases at 1,032, followed by Maharashtra with 784 and Delhi with 412. Health experts attribute the spike to increased testing, lax adherence to safety protocols, and the emergence of new variants, though detailed genomic sequencing is underway to confirm the latter. Other states, including Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, have also reported rising cases, albeit at a slower rate.
The Union Health Ministry has urged states to ramp up testing and contact tracing while ensuring strict compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, such as mask-wearing and social distancing. “We are closely monitoring the situation. States have been directed to enhance surveillance and ensure adequate medical infrastructure,” said a senior health official.
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In Kerala, the state government has reintroduced localized restrictions in high-risk areas, including containment zones in districts like Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. Maharashtra has increased hospital bed capacity in Mumbai and Pune, while Delhi has mandated random testing at public places like markets and metro stations to curb the spread.
The rise in cases comes amid concerns over vaccine efficacy against newer variants. Over 80% of India’s eligible population is fully vaccinated, but booster dose uptake remains low. Health authorities are now promoting booster shots, particularly for vulnerable groups, to mitigate severe outcomes.
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Hospitals across the affected states are preparing for a potential influx of patients, with oxygen supplies and ICU beds being closely monitored. The ministry has assured that the healthcare system is better equipped than during previous waves, but experts warn against complacency.
Public health campaigns are being intensified to encourage mask-wearing and vaccination. “We cannot afford to let our guard down. Citizens must cooperate to break the chain of transmission,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a public health expert based in Delhi.
As India braces for a possible escalation, all eyes are on the government’s response and the public’s adherence to safety measures to contain the virus’s spread.
