India’s Covid-19 situation under control, say officials amid surge in Singapore, Hong Kong

Hospitals have been asked to monitor influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infection cases.

Health authorities in India are keeping an eye on reports of a rise in Covid cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, even as official sources on Monday said that the current Covid situation in the country was under control.

Official sources also said that the recent media reports have highlighted the increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong in the last few weeks. As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality.

In light of these developments, a review meeting of experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central government hospitals was convened under the chairpersonship of Director General of Health Services (DGHS).

The sources said that the meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country’s large population.

"Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalization required." "A robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses including COVID-19 also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR," sources said.

Hospitals have been asked to monitor influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infection cases.

The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health, the sources added.

*With Agency Inputs