COVID-19 Update: 28 Dead, Active Cases Near 4,000 in India as New Variants Fuel Surge

New Delhi, June 2: India is once again witnessing a surge in COVID-19 infections, with active cases rising sharply across several states. As of Monday, the Union Health Ministry reported 3,961 active cases, up from 3,758 the previous day. This spike is being driven primarily by the emergence and rapid spread of two new variants — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — that have prompted health authorities to issue renewed advisories.

According to official data, West Bengal recorded the steepest increase in daily cases, with 82 new infections in just 24 hours. Delhi followed with 47 fresh cases, bringing its active case count to 436, while Gujarat crossed the 300-case mark.

Kerala remains the worst-hit state, with over 1,400 active cases, followed by Maharashtra, which has 485 active infections and has reported seven deaths so far. Over the weekend, Kerala and Karnataka confirmed two additional fatalities, taking the national death toll since January 2025 to 28.

Public health experts have urged high-risk populations — especially the elderly, unvaccinated individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions — to exercise caution. “We are closely monitoring the variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. There is no cause for panic, but symptomatic individuals should avoid crowded places and seek medical testing,” a senior health ministry official told The Indian Express.

Although hospitalisation rates remain low, authorities have flagged fever, throat pain, nausea, and digestive issues as common symptoms of these new variants. Citizens experiencing symptoms for more than four days are being advised to undergo an RT-PCR test.

A spokesperson from the Health Ministry reassured the public, stating that the nation’s medical infrastructure is fully equipped to manage the rise in cases. “We are prepared,” the spokesperson emphasized in a statement to Hindustan Times.

While the surge has impacted multiple states, some like Sikkim have recorded only a handful of new infections, highlighting the uneven geographical spread of the current wave.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging the public to remain vigilant, practice basic COVID-appropriate behaviour, and get tested promptly if symptoms appear.