Coronavirus
Corona FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
There has been a new surge in Covid-19 cases in 2025 across India and several other parts of the world. While the numbers remain relatively contained compared to previous waves, the rise has prompted heightened surveillance, especially in Indian states like Kerala and Maharashtra, which are currently reporting the highest Covid-19 cases.
Nationwide, over 1,010 active cases have been logged as of May last week, with Delhi alone accounting for over 104 cases. Hospitals in the capital are on standby, though officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm.
A closer look at the ongoing transmission reveals that the JN.1 variant is now the dominant strain in India, responsible for approximately 53% of the cases. BA.2 follows with 26%, while the remaining 20% are attributed to other Omicron-related sub-lineages. The XEC variant, first identified in 2024, also continues to circulate. While not more lethal, it is notably more transmissible—a factor contributing to the rapid spread seen in certain hotspots.
On the global front, the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VOI), with newer strains such as LP.8.1 and LB.1 also drawing attention due to their growing prevalence. Between February and early May, more than 147,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded globally over a 28-day period. Though this figure marks a 16% drop from the previous period, the corresponding rise in deaths—around 4,500, up 28%—has raised concerns. Interestingly, hospitalizations have declined by 40% worldwide, suggesting that while the virus continues to spread, severe outcomes remain less frequent, likely due to widespread immunity and vaccine coverage.
Public health experts are also noting a shift in how COVID-19 behaves seasonally. Much like influenza, the virus is now showing signs of recurring peaks during both summer and winter months. This aligns with the WHO’s current stance, which has moved away from emergency response toward long-term disease management, treating COVID-19 as an endemic virus.