By The Sampadak Express
As several Asian countries report a surge in Covid-19 cases, Indian health authorities have reassured the public that the situation within the country remains under control. While a minor uptick in cases has been observed in a few Indian states, officials emphasize that the overall numbers remain very low, especially given India’s large population.
The recent spike in infections in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand prompted a high-level review meeting involving experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, the Disaster Management Cell, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Central government hospitals.
India’s Covid Situation ‘Under Control’According to health officials, as of May 19, 2025, India has reported only 257 active Covid-19 cases. Most of these are mild, with no hospitalizations required.“
Based on preliminary data, the current cases are mild and not associated with increased severity or mortality,” said a source familiar with the review.
The meeting, chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), concluded that there is no immediate cause for concern. Officials also highlighted the strength of India’s existing surveillance systems, such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR’s viral illness monitoring network.
Surge in Southeast Asia Driven by Omicron Variant JN.1The fresh wave of infections in Southeast Asia is primarily driven by the Omicron subvariant JN.1 and its related strains. Singapore reported over 14,000 new cases in early May, with similar increases noted in Hong Kong and Thailand.
The JN.1 variant, first detected in August 2023, was classified as a ‘variant of interest’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) in December of the same year. It stems from the Omicron BA.2.86 lineage and carries around 30 mutations. Among the most prevalent mutations recently are LF.7 and NB.1.8.
Bottom Line: Vigilance, Not Panic
While the surge in neighboring countries is being closely monitored, Indian health authorities urge the public to remain calm. The situation is being continuously reviewed, and with robust surveillance mechanisms in place, India is well-prepared to respond swiftly to any developments.
