
Key Points
- Active COVID-19 cases in India surpass 6,400, with Kerala reporting the highest numbers.
- Four new Omicron sub-variants (LF.7, XFG, JN.1, NB.1.8.1) detected; classified as ‘Variants Under Monitoring’ by WHO.
- Recent deaths primarily involve elderly or people with comorbidities; overall severity of cases remains mild.
- States on alert, mock drills conducted to ensure hospital readiness.
- Experts advise caution, not panic; no mass booster campaign recommended at this stage.
New Delhi: India is witnessing a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases, with active infections climbing past 6,400 as of June 9, 2025. The spike is largely attributed to the emergence of new Omicron sub-variants LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1 which are driving up case numbers in several states, especially Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi, and Maharashtra.
State-wise Breakdown
Kerala remains the epicenter, reporting nearly 2,000 active cases and the highest daily new infections. The state has also seen recent fatalities, mostly among older adults or those with serious underlying health conditions. Kerala’s health department has ramped up testing, issued strict protocols for anyone showing symptoms, and conducted mock drills in hospitals to ensure readiness for a potential further surge.
Gujarat holds the second-highest number of active cases, with over 980 current infections and a notable daily rise. Most hospitalizations involve patients with pre-existing conditions, and severe cases remain rare.
Delhi and West Bengal are also reporting steady increases, with Delhi logging over 700 active cases and regular daily spikes.
Maharashtra has recorded the highest COVID-19 death toll since January 2025, with 18 fatalities, most involving patients with comorbidities. The state continues to test aggressively, with more than 1,000 positive cases identified out of over 13,000 samples this year.
Sikkim has reported 15 cases since late May, prompting the health minister to mandate mask-wearing and strict adherence to COVID protocols across all medical facilities.
New Variants: What We Know
The current surge is linked to the spread of four Omicron sub-variants: LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. These variants are more transmissible but have so far caused mostly mild symptoms. The World Health Organization classifies them as ‘Variants Under Monitoring,’ meaning they do not pose a global threat at this time but require close observation.
“The severity remains low. These are primarily Omicron sub-variants, and cases are being monitored closely,”
— Dr Rajiv Behl, ICMR Director General
Hospital Preparedness and Government Response
In response to the rising cases, the central government has initiated mock drills to assess hospital preparedness, ensuring the availability of beds, ventilators, and oxygen supplies. State and district surveillance units are monitoring influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, with expanded testing and genome sequencing underway.
Expert Advice: Stay Cautious, Not Alarmed
Health experts and the ICMR emphasize that while the increase in cases warrants vigilance, there is no need for mass panic or a new round of booster vaccinations for the general public at this stage. The focus remains on protecting high-risk groups—elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic illnesses.
Symptoms and Severity
Most new infections are presenting with mild, flu-like symptoms. Severe cases and hospitalizations are still rare, and the majority of patients recover within a few days. Deaths have primarily occurred among those with significant comorbidities or advanced age.