India currently has 257 active COVID-19 cases, according to government data. Most patients have mild symptoms and do not need hospital treatment. Kerala reported 69 new cases since May 12. Maharashtra followed with 44 and Tamil Nadu with 34. Other states also reported small numbers—Karnataka (8), Gujarat (6), Delhi (3), and one each from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.
Mumbai Reports Two Deaths
Mumbai’s KEM Hospital recorded two recent COVID-related deaths. Doctors told Hindustan Times that both patients had serious health conditions. One was a 14-year-old with kidney failure caused by nephrotic syndrome. The other was a 54-year-old cancer patient.
BMC Asks Hospitals to Stay Alert
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) noted a slight rise in infections but urged people not to panic. It directed hospitals to stay prepared and watch for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Authorities are tracking cases through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Global COVID-19 Situation Looks Alarming
COVID-19 cases are rising sharply in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, weekly infections jumped from 11,100 in late April to 14,200 in early May—an increase of 28%. Hong Kong reported 31 COVID-related deaths in the first week of May, the highest in a year. New infections rose from 972 to 1,042, a big leap from just 33 cases a week in early March.
Indian Officials Review Preparedness
India’s Health Ministry held a high-level meeting on Monday. Officials reviewed the situation as Omicron subvariants like JN.1 drive up cases in Singapore and Hong Kong. The Director General of Health Services chaired the meeting. Attendees included representatives from NCDC, ICMR, EMR Division, Disaster Management Cell, and major Central hospitals.
Despite the global rise, Indian officials say the domestic situation is well under control.
