India is experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases in May 2025, with reports indicating over 1,100 total cases by late May and more than 1,200 active cases nationally. This surge is attributed to the spread of new Omicron sub-variants, including JN.1, LF.7, NB.1.8, and NB.1.8.1. These variants, descendants of Omicron, are currently classified as 'Variants under Monitoring' by the World Health Organisation. Despite the rise in infections, health authorities emphasize that the current strains are predominantly causing mild, self-limiting illnesses, and the virus appears to have weakened compared to earlier waves. The government, along with health officials, is actively tracking these variants and urging caution rather than panic among the populace.

Maharashtra has emerged as a significant contributor to the national tally, with 210 confirmed cases reported, 154 of which were described as latent. Mumbai is currently recording an average of 11 new COVID-19 cases daily, with 346 infections reported in May 2025 alone, a sharp increase from previous near-zero figures. The city has reported a total of 352 cases since January 2025, with a significant spike this month, including 36 new cases logged on May 28. Thane has also seen a steady increase, with Thane city adding 24 new cases; of these, nine patients were hospitalized, and 46 were under home quarantine. Statewide, Maharashtra reported 521 cases between January 1 and May 28, 2025, averaging 3.5 cases daily, and conducted 8,868 COVID-19 tests in this five-month period, showing a positivity rate of 5.87%. The state’s active case count stood at 383, with 132 recoveries documented since January.

The impact of the virus is also being felt in other parts of the country. Southern states like Kerala are particularly affected, with Kerala leading nationally with 430 cases, including 335 new infections in one report. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also seeing a rise. In the National Capital Region, Delhi recorded 99 new cases, pushing its total count to 104, while the neighboring city of Noida logged 19 new cases, all with mild symptoms and under home quarantine. Arunachal Pradesh recorded its first case when a 34-year-old pregnant woman arriving from Bengaluru tested positive, followed by her mother. On May 28, new cases were also reported from Pune (9), Navi Mumbai (4), Panvel (4), Pimpri-Chinchwad (3), Kalyan (2), Ahmednagar (2), and one case each from Raigad and Nagpur. States like Gujarat and Haryana are also observing an uptick in cases.

Clinically, the vast majority of current COVID-19 cases present with mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, body ache, nasal congestion, and fatigue. Hospital admissions remain low, and most patients are recovering within three to four days without requiring significant lung involvement or oxygen support. However, fatalities have been reported. Maharashtra has recorded six COVID-positive deaths in 2025 so far, all involving patients with serious underlying comorbidities where COVID-19 was a precipitating factor. Thane reported one death of a patient with a history of diabetes. Deaths have also been recorded in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh; in Uttar Pradesh, a 78-year-old Firozabad resident, admitted for other health issues, died after testing positive for COVID-19, also having prior multiple health conditions.

Health experts and medical bodies like the Indian Medical Association (IMA) are urging citizens to remain vigilant without resorting to panic, stressing that the virus is now endemic. They recommend rational testing, timely care, symptom-guided treatment, and continued protection for vulnerable groups. Individuals with comorbidities such as chronic liver, kidney, or heart disease, active cancer, or those on immunosuppressive medications are advised to exercise extra caution and consult a doctor promptly if symptoms develop. General preventive measures include wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, ensuring indoor ventilation, and staying updated with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Experts also warn against the misuse of antibiotics, as they are ineffective against viral illnesses and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. With the monsoon approaching, an increase in respiratory illnesses is anticipated, further highlighting the need for these precautions and seeking timely medical advice if symptoms persist.

Regarding children, Dr. Ruchi Golash, a pediatrician, noted that while children are showing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and mild respiratory issues, these cases are largely not severe and typically do not necessitate hospitalization. However, she emphasized that children can still carry and spread the virus. Families are advised to exercise caution, especially during summer when children are outdoors more frequently. Recommendations include ensuring proper handwashing, avoiding unwarranted crowds indoors, and encouraging mask-wearing in public if children exhibit cold or flu symptoms. Safer playdates at home or in socially distanced outdoor settings are suggested to prevent wider outbreaks.

In response to the situation, government measures include enhanced testing capabilities, stockpiling essential medicines, and efforts to control misinformation. Health authorities are continuously monitoring the new sub-variants and studying them to develop possible treatments. The overarching message from officials is one of preparedness and adaptation to the virus's changing behavior. While COVID-19 continues to target the vulnerable, the focus remains on managing it effectively with existing knowledge and tools, emphasizing that vigilance, not fear, is key to navigating the current phase of the pandemic.