SRINAGAR: India’s active COVID-19 caseload has surged to 2,710, with Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi emerging as the most affected states. The Union Health Ministry has asked states and union territories to submit detailed reports on their preparedness by June 2, amid rising concerns over new sub-variants of the virus.
As per a report in The Hindu, the Union Health Ministry provided a detailed breakdown of the seven recent COVID-related fatalities. In Delhi, a 60-year-old female with acute intestinal obstruction post-laparotomy succumbed, where COVID-19 was found to be incidental. Gujarat recorded one death, with further details awaited. Karnataka reported the death of a 70-year-old male who suffered from acute cardiorespiratory arrest, acute encephalopathy, severe anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and multiple comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease; his COVID-19 status is pending RT-PCR confirmation.
Maharashtra reported two fatalities — a 67-year-old male with acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, and comorbidities, and a 21-year-old male with diabetic ketoacidosis and a lower respiratory tract infection, with one of the deaths reconciled. Punjab saw the death of a 39-year-old male with Hepatitis B and acute respiratory syndrome, while Tamil Nadu reported the demise of a 60-year-old male with diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
The Health Ministry on May 30 stated that a total of 1,170 patients had recovered in the last 24 hours, while seven COVID-related deaths were recorded. Most of the deceased had pre-existing health conditions, according to officials.
Kerala remains the worst-hit state with 1,147 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 424 and Delhi with 294. These three states account for a major share of the national caseload, as reported by Business Standard.
The surge is attributed to newer Omicron sub-variants, namely NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are currently under observation by health authorities. However, the ministry has clarified that most of the infections being reported are mild in nature and do not require hospitalisation.
As per The Hindu, the cumulative death toll since January 1, 2025, has reached 22, and the number of cases continues to rise gradually. In light of the situation, the ministry has urged all states and union territories to enhance genome sequencing and COVID surveillance.
Officials have reiterated that there is no need for panic but advised the public to continue following COVID-appropriate behaviour, especially in high-risk areas. Mask usage in crowded places, regular hand hygiene, and vaccination are being encouraged as precautionary measures.
Kashmir currently has two active COVID-19 cases after two students at Government Dental College (GDC) Srinagar tested positive. They are originally from Kerala, had recently returned to the college after visiting their home state and began experiencing mild symptoms.
