KKN Gurugram Desk | India is witnessing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases as the number of active cases in the country has surged to 1,252. The total number of deaths due to the virus has now reached 13. The situation has become particularly alarming in states like Kerala and Maharashtra, which are seeing the highest number of cases and fatalities.

As the country braces for more cases, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially in light of the upcoming visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The health department has issued stringent guidelines to ensure safety and precautionary measures during the PM’s visits, with all individuals within a 100-meter radius of the PM’s route to be tested for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Cases in India: The Situation as of May 29, 2025

India has been grappling with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases after a period of relative calm. As of May 29, the country has recorded 1,252 active cases. Among the worst-hit states, Kerala and Maharashtra are seeing the highest number of cases. Kerala, which has been struggling with the highest infection rates, currently has 430 active cases. Maharashtra, with 325 active cases, is also a significant concern, especially Mumbai, which accounts for 316 of these cases.

COVID-19 Deaths Across India: The Toll and Regional Impact

The total number of COVID-19 deaths in India has now reached 13. Maharashtra has recorded the highest fatalities, followed by Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. In these states, 11 patients have succumbed to the virus. The most recent death occurred in Chandigarh, where a person from Uttar Pradesh, who worked in Ludhiana, succumbed to the virus after being referred for treatment. The deceased tested positive for COVID-19 after being admitted for breathing difficulties.

Maharashtra’s COVID-19 Situation: Highest Deaths Reported

Maharashtra has been severely affected by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. In Thane, a COVID-positive woman died while receiving treatment, and on May 25, a 21-year-old man, who was also undergoing treatment, passed away. This follows the death of an 84-year-old in Bengaluru on May 17, who passed away due to multiple organ failure. Although his death was initially attributed to other health complications, his COVID-19 test result came positive on May 24.

COVID-19 Variants: India Reports New Strains of the Virus

In addition to the rise in cases and deaths, India has also detected four new variants of the COVID-19 virus. According to Dr. Rajeev Bahal, the Director of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), sequencing of samples from South and Western India has identified the variants LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. These new variants have raised concerns, but health experts have clarified that the situation is not alarming and that the new variants do not appear to be significantly more dangerous than previous strains.

The Indian health department is continuing to conduct sequencing from other regions of the country to monitor these variants and track any potential changes in their behavior.

India’s Health Authorities and WHO on the New Variants

The World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified these new variants as particularly concerning, but they have been categorized as variants under observation. The WHO has emphasized that these variants, although present in India, are also circulating in other countries, especially in Asia, such as China, where cases are rising.

Dr. Bahal from ICMR reassured the public by stating that while these variants are being closely monitored, they do not pose an immediate threat. He urged people to continue practicing caution and maintain preventive measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and following hygiene protocols.

Precautionary Measures for PM Modi’s Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on May 29 and May 30, and in light of the rising COVID-19 cases, the health department has issued special guidelines for the occasion. All individuals within a 100-meter radius of the Prime Minister during his visit will undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing. This measure is being taken to ensure that the PM’s visit does not lead to any further spread of the virus, especially considering the increasing number of active cases.

COVID-19 Deaths in Key States: A Closer Look

The recent deaths in Maharashtra and other states are raising concerns about the increasing spread of COVID-19. The latest reports indicate that Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh are the hardest-hit states, with several deaths being reported from these regions.

In Rajasthan, two deaths occurred on May 26, one of which was a railway station worker who was found dead, and another was a 26-year-old patient who had been undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. The ongoing rise in deaths due to COVID-19 underlines the need for heightened vigilance and preventive action in these states.

Health Authorities Advise Vigilance Amidst Rising Cases

While the situation is concerning, health experts continue to advocate for vigilance and precautionary measures. Dr. Bahal and other health officials have called on the public to be cautious but not panic. The new variants, while notable, do not yet present a more serious risk than previous strains of the virus. As a result, health experts continue to advise practicing the basics of hygiene and social distancing, even as vaccination efforts continue across the country.

India’s Efforts to Control the Spread of COVID-19

India’s health authorities are focused on continuing their vaccination drive while implementing robust surveillance measures to prevent further outbreaks. With the discovery of new variants, the health ministry is also stepping up genomic surveillance to monitor the evolution of the virus and identify any potentially harmful changes.

Additionally, the government is also conducting regular awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of COVID-19 prevention strategies, such as wearing face masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and ensuring proper ventilation in public spaces.

As India grapples with the rising cases and the detection of new COVID-19 variants, it is essential for the public to remain cautious while continuing to follow health guidelines. With proactive measures in place, such as testing during PM Modi’s visit and continued genomic surveillance, India is well-positioned to monitor and manage the situation.

The recent uptick in cases serves as a reminder that while significant progress has been made in the battle against the pandemic, vigilance and preventive action remain crucial to keeping the situation under control.