Latest covid cases News | Top covid cases News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking covid cases News Today | English covid cases News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Delhi sees fresh surge in Covid-19 cases

June 8, 2025, 2:06 am

Delhi faces rising Covid-19 cases driven by new Omicron sub-variants, prompting enhanced health measures.

New Delhi: The national capital is experiencing a renewed spike in Covid-19 cases, with the count surpassing the 500-mark. Out of the 5,364 active cases recorded in India till Friday, June 6, 2025, Delhi holds the fourth-highest tally with 592 cases, following Kerala (1,679), Gujarat (615), and West Bengal (596). On average, Delhi is conducting around 1,200 RT-PCR tests daily.

Since May 22, the country has witnessed a steep increase in active cases, rising from 257 to more than 5,000. Kerala continues to be the worst-hit state, followed closely by Gujarat, West Bengal, Delhi, and Maharashtra, as per the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

According to updates on the Union Health Ministry’s official dashboard, Delhi has recorded seven Covid-related deaths since January 2025. Earlier this week, a 22-year-old female patient, who was already battling pulmonary tuberculosis and bilateral lower respiratory tract infection, succumbed to the virus. In addition, two other Covid-positive patients also passed away: one was a 60-year-old woman suffering from acute intestinal obstruction following laparotomy, and the other was a 71-year-old man diagnosed with pneumonia, septic shock, and acute kidney injury.

The recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India and other Southeast Asian countries has been attributed to the growing presence of Omicron-related sub-variants. Health officials in several countries have confirmed the spread of JN.1 variant sub-lineages such as LF.7 and NB1.8. The N.1 sub-variant is a descendant of BA.2.86 and is part of the Omicron family, known for its high transmission potential.

In response to the increase in cases, the central government has issued advisories to all states and union territories, urging them to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, including oxygen and life-saving medications. Health experts emphasise the importance of distinguishing between Covid-19 and other viral fevers, as both share similar symptoms such as fever and fatigue.

To gain further insights into the current wave of infections, The Sunday Guardian spoke with Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant of Pulmonology, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital. Dr Jain noted that the new variant appears to be significantly more transmissible than previous strains, which increases the speed of its spread. However, early indicators suggest that it may not lead to more severe illness in most patients. Nevertheless, individuals with compromised immune systems, elderly citizens, and those with underlying health conditions remain at greater risk. Ongoing surveillance and data analysis are underway to fully understand the variant’s impact. Dr Jain further explained that this strain has undergone genetic mutations, making it more adept at spreading and possibly evading some of the immunity developed from past infections or vaccinations. Despite these changes, current vaccines continue to provide strong protection against severe outcomes. The symptoms of this variant may vary slightly or overlap with those of other strains. Additionally, she emphasised that Delhi has strengthened its Covid-19 response through increased surveillance, expanded testing, and improved hospital readiness. Healthcare workers have received updated training, and public health advisories are being circulated. The city is also intensifying its vaccination and booster dose campaigns. Though the situation remains challenging, authorities are adopting proactive measures to manage any future escalation in cases. She urged individuals to persist in wearing masks in crowded or enclosed settings, maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid unnecessary gatherings, and keep their vaccinations up to date. Monitoring for symptoms and seeking prompt medical care is essential. She also advised residents to follow government advisories and stay informed through credible updates.

Covid Strikes Delhi Again: 3rd Death Amid Rising Cases

June 5, 2025, 5:09 pm

Delhi has reported its third Covid-19 death since May 2025, amid a worrying uptick in daily cases. As per the data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the national capital logged 64 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the total number of active cases to 457.

The deceased has been identified as a 22-year-old woman with a history of serious medical conditions, including Pulmonary Koch’s (a form of tuberculosis), lower respiratory tract infection, Covid-19 pneumonia, and shock. She reportedly succumbed to Type 1 respiratory failure, a condition often associated with critical respiratory illnesses.

This death comes just days after Delhi had shown a slight dip in daily Covid cases. On Tuesday, the case count had dropped to 393 from 483 the previous day. However, Wednesday witnessed a fresh spike, marking a concerning trend in the city’s ongoing battle with the virus.

Hospitals on Alert

In response to the rising number of infections, the Delhi government has issued an advisory to all hospitals and healthcare facilities, urging them to enhance preparedness. The advisory includes directives to ensure the availability of hospital beds, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and Covid-19 vaccines.

Officials have emphasized the need for vigilance, especially in light of emerging variants and the return of sporadic cases in other states as well. Hospitals have also been instructed to maintain functional isolation wards and strengthen testing facilities to detect and contain infections at the earliest.

39 Recoveries Offer Slight Relief

Meanwhile, 39 patients were reported to have recovered or been discharged on Tuesday, offering some relief. Still, health authorities are keeping a close watch on trends and transmission patterns.

The new surge in cases, though still not alarming, highlights the fact that we should still be cautious and take health measures in advance because the city is going through ta rainy spurt, which is generally related to a rise in respiratory infections. Delhi residebts are still advised to follow necessary precautions like maintaining hand hygiene and wearing masks in crowded places.

India Sees a Downturn in COVID-19 Cases with 475 New Infections Reported

January 9, 2024, 4:49 pm

India has witnessed a decline in COVID-19 cases as 475 fresh infections were reported in the last 24 hours, according to data released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program, National Centre for Disease Control on Tuesday morning. The slight dip in active cases and the reporting of six deaths reflect a positive trend in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.

As of 8 am today, the data indicated that three deaths occurred in Karnataka, two in Chhattisgarh, and one in Assam due to COVID-19-related complications. The total active cases have reduced to 3,919, marking a decrease of 83 since Monday morning. On the recovery front, the nation witnessed an increase of 552, bringing the total number of recoveries to 4,44,81,893.

The cumulative COVID-19 cases stand at 4,50,19,267, with 475 new cases reported since Monday. The total number of fatalities reached 5,33,402. A total of 32,107 tests were conducted on January 8, as reported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), contributing to the ongoing efforts in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus.

The emergence of the COVID-19 JN.1 subvariant has also been monitored, with a total of 819 cases reported from 12 states till January 8. Maharashtra leads with 250 cases, followed by Karnataka with 199, Kerala with 148, Goa with 49, Gujarat with 36, Andhra Pradesh with 30, Rajasthan with 30, Tamil Nadu with 26, Telangana with 26, Delhi with 21, Odisha with three, and Haryana with one case.

While the country continues its battle against the pandemic, the decreasing number of active cases and the consistent efforts in testing and monitoring provide a glimmer of hope in the fight against COVID-19. Ongoing surveillance measures and vaccination efforts remain crucial in maintaining this positive trajectory.

Manipur Registers Fresh COVID-19 Case Amidst Growing Concerns Over JN.1 Subvariant

December 29, 2023, 1:28 pm

Breaking its streak of no new infections, Manipur reported a recent case of COVID-19. The infected individual, a resident of Paomata in Senapati district, had recently travelled from Delhi to Dimapur by air and later from Dimapur to Senapati by road.

The specific virus variant remains unidentified, prompting authorities to send samples for genome sequencing to obtain comprehensive details. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation to avert any potential spread of the virus.

The rise in COVID-19 cases has emerged as a growing concern in the country, particularly with the advent of the JN.1 subvariant. Several states are witnessing an increase in fresh cases.

Recent data from the Union Health Ministry reveals that India recorded 692 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, leading to an increase in the active caseload by four, totalling 4,097. Additionally, six deaths were reported during this period, with two in Maharashtra and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. Since the onset of the pandemic in January 2020, the total COVID-19 cases in India have reached 4,50,10,944, and the death toll stands at 5,33,946.

Given the rise in COVID-19 cases attributed to the JN.1 subvariant in various states, Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, following AIIMS, has taken precautionary measures. The hospital has reserved 50 beds for isolation and nine ICU beds. Adequate arrangements, including provisions for oxygen, PPE kits, and COVID testing, have been put in place.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta, a senior pulmonologist and former HOD at Safdarjung Hospital, described JN.1 as a variant of Omicron. He noted its mild nature and emphasized that, while mild, the virus exhibits the ability to cross immune barriers. Dr. Gupta added that patients with comorbidities or compromised immune systems might experience higher morbidity leading to mortality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently categorized JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. Despite this classification, the WHO underscored that the overall risk associated with JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

India Sees Surge in COVID-19 Cases with 692 New Infections and Six Deaths in 24 Hours

December 28, 2023, 11:23 am

In the past 24 hours, India has reported a spike in COVID-19 cases, with 692 new infections, pushing the total active caseload to 4,097, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry. The overall tally of coronavirus cases in the country, since the onset of the pandemic in January 2020, now stands at 4,50,10,944, with an increase of 702 cases in the last day.

The health authorities also confirmed six new deaths in the same period, bringing the total death toll due to COVID-19 in India to 5,33,346. The fatalities were reported in different states, with two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.

Adding a new dimension to the situation, Delhi reported its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 on Wednesday. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, “Delhi reports the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the three samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1, and two are Omicron.”

The JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant known as BA.2.86 or Pirola, was initially reported in Kerala. Health Ministry sources have identified a total of 109 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant in India until now. However, the World Health Organisation has emphasized that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

In response to the escalating COVID-19 situation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has issued guidelines for handling suspected or positive cases. AIIMS Delhi director conducted a meeting on Wednesday with department heads to discuss contingency measures, including testing policies, designated areas for positive patients, and hospitalization protocols. These measures aim to address the sudden surge in coronavirus cases across the country.

India reports 656 fresh Covid-19 cases, one death in 24 hours

December 26, 2023, 12:17 am

A total of 656 cases of Covid-19 subvariant JN.1 and one death have been reported in the country for the past 24 hours, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total number of active cases of Covid-19 in the country was recorded at 3,742.
Earlier on Saturday, a multi-fold spurt in fresh COVID cases was noted in India, with Kerala contributing the majority of those.
A total of 423 cases were reported, of which 266 were from Kerala and 70 from neighbouring Karnataka, Union health ministry data showed.
Two deaths were reported in Kerala.

Meanwhile, former AIIMS director and senior pulmonologist, Dr Randeep Guleria said that the new subvariant of COVID is not causing severe infections and hospitalisation.
“It is more transmissible, it is spreading more rapidly, and it is gradually becoming a dominant variant. It is causing more infections but the data also suggests that it is not causing severe infections or hospitalisations. Most of the symptoms are predominantly in the upper airways, like fever, cough, cold, sore throat, running nose and body aches,” Dr Guleria said.

Earlier, India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) chief Dr NK Arora also said that no additional dose of vaccine is needed against the subvariant at present.
Dr Arora further said, “I would say prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses.”
The INSACOG chief asserted that various subvariants of Omicron have been reported but none of them have increased severity.

He reiterated the fact that there is no need for panic but that it requires vigilance. “I would like to assure everybody that we need to be vigilant, but not panicky at all,” he added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.
Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86.
It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.

Covid Update: Kerala Adds 300 Fresh Cases, India’s Active Tally Reaches 2,669

December 21, 2023, 11:59 am

Kerala reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and 3 deaths on December 20, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, contributing to the country’s total active cases standing at 2,669.

Amid concerns about the new variant of the Coronavirus, a health expert from Kerala emphasized that COVID is akin to any other communicable disease and cannot be completely eradicated. Dr. Sreejith N Kumar stated that while COVID cannot be wiped out entirely, the strike rate of the disease has reduced, and mortality is not as high as before. He likened it to any other influenza or common cold.

In response to the rising cases and concerns over emerging strains, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India. He urged vigilance and preparedness against new and emerging strains of the virus. Stressing the importance of being alert, Mandaviya called on all states to enhance surveillance and ensure sufficient stocks of essential medical supplies, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines.

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the need for joint efforts between the Centre and States to efficiently manage COVID-19, proposing mock drills every three months at both levels to share best practices. He urged states to create awareness, manage the epidemic, and disseminate accurate information.

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighting the evolution of the virus and the new JN.1 COVID sub-variant, member states were urged to maintain robust surveillance and share sequences to adapt to the changing nature of the virus.

Karnataka Minister Advises Senior Citizens to Mask Up Amid Rising Covid Cases in Kerala

December 18, 2023, 4:53 pm

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has reassured the state’s readiness as Covid cases surge in neighboring Kerala. Expressing concern over the escalating cases in Kerala, Rao recommended that senior citizens in Karnataka with co-morbidities wear masks as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that the state government is closely monitoring the situation in Kerala and is equipped with the necessary resources to address any potential challenges.

During a visit to Kodagu, Rao stated that a detailed advisory would be issued soon, and discussions on the matter were held in a meeting. As a proactive measure, he urged individuals aged over 60 with underlying health conditions to wear masks. The minister disclosed that the state government had instructed hospitals in districts bordering Kerala to remain alert and adequately equipped. Rao further pledged an increase in the number of Covid tests conducted in the state to identify and manage potential outbreaks effectively.

While addressing the public, Rao appealed for calm, assuring citizens that the situation is currently under control. The health minister is scheduled to convene a meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee on Covid, led by Dr. K Ravi, to enhance preparedness measures. The Union Ministry of Health has initiated preparedness measures following the identification of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID in Kerala, detected during routine surveillance conducted by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).

Atishi on rising covid cases ‘Delhi govt reviewing COVID-19 situation, guidelines for schools soon’

April 13, 2023, 4:00 pm

Amid rising covid cases, AAP Education Minister Atishi on thursday said that Delhi Government is reviewing the situation and the guidelines will be issued soon.

The Delhi’s total caseload breached to the 1000 mark, the highest in the seven months with 23.8 per cent positivity rate, according to data shared by the Health department. The national capital logged 1,149 fresh cases and one fatality on Wednesday.

The active cases in delhi stands at 3,347, while the cumulative cases are at 20,17,250. The National Capital witnessed a spurt in the number of fresh Covid infections over the last fortnight amid a sharp rise in H3N2 influenza cases in the country. Covid cases had dropped to zero on January 16, the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Mock drills were conducted at hospitals in Delhi to ascertain preparedness to tackle COVID-19 amid a surge in cases.

In 24 hours, India records 5,880 new Covid-19 cases

April 10, 2023, 1:42 pm

In the 24 hours ending at 8 a.m. on Monday, India recorded 5,880 new Coronavirus cases and 14 deaths. During this time, the number of active cases and deaths rose to 35,199 and 5,30,979, respectively, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. The overall active cases currently stand at 35,199, as of Monday with a daily positivity rate of 6.91 per cent, it said. In the last 24 hours, the country witnessed 3,481 recoveries taking the total recoveries to 4,41,96,318.While Delhi and Himachal Pradesh each reported four deaths, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan each reported one, and Kerala reconciled two. With 5,880 new infections, India’s Covid tally has risen to 4.47 crore (4,47,62,496). According to the ministry, the national Covid-19 recovery rate is 98.73%, with active cases accounting for 0.08 percent of all infections.

With 5,880 new infections, India’s Covid tally has risen to 4.47 crore (4,47,62,496). According to the ministry, the national Covid-19 recovery rate is 98.73%, with active cases accounting for 0.08 percent of all infections.

The number of people who have recovered from the disease has risen to 4,41,96,318 with a case fatality rate of 1.19 percent. A total of 220.66 crore total vaccine doses (95.21 cr Second Dose and 22.87 cr Precaution Dose) have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive.
In the last 24 hours, 205 doses have been administered.
In the last 24 hours, 85,076 tests were conducted taking the total number of tests to 92.28 crore.
On Sunday, a total of 5,357 fresh Covid-19 infections were recorded in the country in the last 24 hours marking a slight decrease from Saturday’s count of 6,155 cases, the Union Health Ministry stated in a bulletin on Sunday.
Covid infections in the country have seen an upward trend in the past few days, with the daily fresh infections at 2,994 on April 1, 3,824 on April 2, 3,641 on April 3, 3,038 on April 4, 4,435 on April 5, 5,335 on April 6 and 6,050 on April 7 and 6155 on April 8. As of Sunday, the total number of active cases was 32,814, with a daily positivity rate of 3.39 percent, according to the Health Ministry.

Covid cases increases rapidly reaching 6,050 in the last 24 hours

April 7, 2023, 12:30 pm

Around 6,050 fresh Covid-19 infections were recorded in the country in the last 24 hours, marking a significant jump from Thursday’s tally of 5,335 cases, the Union health ministry said.

Covid cases in the country have seen an upward trend in the past few days, with the daily fresh infections at 2,994 on April 1, 3,824 on April 2, 3,641 on April 3 and 3,038 on April 4 and 4,435 on April 5.

India’s active Covid caseload currently stands at 28,303 with a daily positivity rate of 3.39 per cent, the Health ministry stated further in its release.

Further, 3,320 recoveries in the last 24 hours to the overall count of people cured of the infection to 4,41,85,858, the bulletin stated, adding that the overall recovery rate is currently at 98.75 per cent.

Amid the rising Covid cases across the country, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Wednesday said lawyers are free to appear virtually and need not be in courts. “We saw newspaper reports on rising Covid cases. Lawyers can use hybrid mode. If you choose to appear online, we will hear you,” said the CJI.

Taking note of rising Covid cases in India, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said the Omicron sub-variant, which is circulating in the country currently, has not led to an increase in hospitalizations and there was no need to worry.

However, the minister said that there was a need to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

India’s daily covid tally falls below 5k with 4,858 new cases

September 19, 2022, 12:28 pm

India reported 4,858 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 806 fewer than yesterday, bringing the total to 4,45,39,046, according to data released by the Union health ministry on Monday. On the other hand, according to the health bulletin, the number of active cases rose to 48,027.

India has 0.11 percent of the infections that are still active, and the Covid recovery rate has risen to 98.71 percent. 2.76 percent was the daily positivity rate, while 1.78 percent was the weekly positivity rate.

Infections with the coronavirus are currently most common in Kerala, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, and West Bengal.

The health ministry stated that as many as 18 fatalities were reported today, taking the death toll to 5,28,355. This included eight deaths reconciled by Kerala.

According to the data available, 2.16 billion doses of vaccines have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide Covid vaccination drive.

On December 19, India’s Covid-19 total had reached one billion. On May 4 and June 23, respectively, last year, it reached the depressing milestones of two and three crore. On January 25 of this year, the number of Covid cases in the nation surpassed four crore.

India records 19,406 new Covid-19 cases

August 6, 2022, 11:52 am

India records 19,406 Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the information shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.
The tally of Covid-19 cases has now reached 4,41,26,994 which includes 1,34,793 active cases. The recovery rate is at 98.50% and as many as 19,928 recoveries were logged in the last 24 hours.
The daily positivity rate as per the government data is 4.96%, whereas the weekly positivity rate is 4.63%.
On the other hand, India has now administered over 100 million precaution doses of Covid-19 vaccines, according to the information shared by the Union health ministry.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya in a tweet wrote, “this has been achieved by the collective efforts. India has administered over 10 crores (100 million) precautionary doses. 10 crore people now have an extra layer of safety. Under PM Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership, ‘Covid vaccination Amrit Mahotsav’ is going on in full swing to provide free precaution dose for all adults.”
This tweet came after the government started providing free precautionary doses to adults in the age group of 18-75 years at government vaccination centers as a part of the Central government,s 75-day booster vaccination drive.