India Reports 164 Covid Cases Since May 12; Centre on Alert Amid Fresh Asia Surge

As Covid-19 cases surge across parts of Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong, Indian health authorities have reviewed the domestic situation and concluded that the virus remains well under control within the country.

A high-level meeting chaired by the Director General of Health Services on Monday brought together officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Disaster Management Cell, and central hospitals. The review concluded that India’s Covid-19 situation is stable, with just 257 active cases nationwide as of May 19 — the majority of which are mild and do not require hospitalization.

An official told PTI that the meeting reaffirmed there was no immediate cause for alarm, but emphasized continued vigilance. “The health ministry is proactively monitoring the situation and ensuring preventive measures are in place,” the source said.

Rise in Southeast Asia Triggered by JN.1 Variant

The recent spike in Southeast Asia is largely driven by the JN.1 variant, a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 strain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), JN.1 includes about 30 mutations, including subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8 — both prominent in recent cases.

In Singapore, weekly Covid-19 cases jumped from 11,100 to an estimated 14,200 in early May. Meanwhile, Hong Kong reported its highest number of severe cases in a year, with 31 critical cases in the week ending May 3. Hong Kong officials have warned of continued elevated transmission in the coming weeks.

India’s Covid Situation: A Regional Snapshot

From May 12 to 19, India recorded 164 new Covid-19 cases, with Kerala leading at 69 cases, followed by Maharashtra (44), Tamil Nadu (34), Karnataka (8), Gujarat (6), and Delhi (3). Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim each reported a single new case.

Kerala also has the highest number of active cases at 95. Overall, India has reported 4.45 crore recoveries and 5.33 lakh Covid-related deaths to date. Authorities continue reconciling mortality data in some regions.

Two Deaths in Mumbai Raise Concerns — But Not Covid-Linked

The deaths of two Covid-positive patients at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital triggered brief concern, but hospital officials clarified that the fatalities were due to pre-existing conditions — not the virus. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said the deceased included a 14-year-old girl with nephrotic syndrome and a 54-year-old woman with cancer.

In a statement, the BMC urged citizens not to panic. “Covid-19 is now considered endemic, with very few new cases being detected. The public health department continues to monitor the situation closely,” the statement read.

The BMC also confirmed that it has dedicated beds and facilities ready for any potential rise in cases and is prepared to scale up resources if required.

Global Efforts to Prepare for Future Pandemics

As concerns grow in Asia, global leaders are taking steps to prepare for future outbreaks. On Monday, 124 WHO member countries voted in favor of a new global pandemic treaty aimed at improving preparedness and response.

“Governments are coming together to make the world healthier, safer, and more equitable in the face of pandemic threats,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The agreement, which will be formally adopted this week in Geneva, focuses on closing gaps in vaccine and medicine access that were exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, countries like South Korea have extended their seasonal Covid-19 vaccination programs, urging vulnerable populations, especially those over 65, to get booster shots targeting the JN.1 variant.

China’s health authorities also reported a recent rise in hospital positivity rates, which more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4.