India is seeing a new rise in COVID-19 cases, prompting several states to step up efforts to prevent another major outbreak. Health officials believe the surge is driven by fast-spreading Omicron sub-variants like KP.2 and JN.1.1. States such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Delhi are under close watch.
In Delhi, Health Minister Pankaj Singh reported 23 new cases as of Thursday. The city has advised all hospitals to stay ready with beds, oxygen supplies, medicines, and vaccines. Authorities are still checking whether these patients are from Delhi or had recently travelled.
Karnataka has recorded 35 active cases so far—32 of them in Bengaluru. While there have been no reported deaths, the state has urged vulnerable groups—including pregnant women, children, and those with health issues—to wear masks in crowded places. People are also being reminded to keep up hand hygiene and use hand sanitisers.
Anyone showing signs of severe respiratory illness is being asked to get tested for COVID-19 promptly to ensure early treatment.
Elsewhere, Kerala saw 182 new infections recently—the highest in days—while Mumbai reported close to 100 cases in a single day. In response, Maharashtra is ramping up testing and hospital preparedness, even though most cases remain mild.
Globally, Southeast Asia is also struggling with rising infections. Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong are facing significant spikes, with Hong Kong calling the virus activity “quite high.” Vietnam has issued new public advisories to limit the spread.
