The uptick of cases is being observed in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana, along with Delhi and Maharashtra.
Published May 25, 2025 | 2:16 PM ⚊ Updated May 25, 2025 | 8:26 PM
Health experts emphasise the importance of continued mask usage to prevent the spread of Covid-19. (Creative Common)
Synopsis: The recent spike in reported Covid-19 cases, including the death of an 84-year-old man in Bengaluru, has prompted fresh public concerns in Karnataka and other Southern States in general.
The recent spike in reported Covid-19 cases, including the death of an 84-year-old man in Bengaluru, has prompted fresh public concerns in Karnataka and other Southern States in general.
However, health officials in Karnataka and experts urged residents to stay calm and informed rather than panic.
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said there is adequate availability of testing kits for Covid-19 in the state and said testing has been recommended for SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases from Sunday, 25 May.
“Since the number of Covid-19 cases is currently low, testing is being conducted at centres with VRDL (Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory) facilities. In Bengaluru, preparations for testing have been made at NIMHANS Hospital, Bangalore Medical College, NIV Centre, and at a total of 10 locations across the state,” he said.
He added that instructions have already been given to procure 5,000 RT-PCR testing kits, which would suffice for one month.
“There is no need for the public to panic. The government is prepared to provide proper healthcare services along with the necessary precautionary measures,” Gundu Rao said.
“Covid-19 is not new. It turned into a pandemic five years ago, and now we’re equipped to deal with it,” he had said on Saturday after confirming 98 new cases in the state — 32 of them from Bengaluru alone.
The uptick of cases is being observed in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana, along with Delhi and Maharashtra. However, it should be noted that these states have increased testing as well.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Union Health Secretary chaired a high-level review meeting with officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to discuss the containment efforts and surveillance methods.
However, Karnataka officials have clarified that the people who have tested positive for Covid-19 so far have not required hospitalisation. They noted that the recent deaths of an 84-year-old man in Karnataka and another 21-year-old person in Thane were due to severe comorbidity and not the virulence of the virus.
According to INSACOG data, there is one case of the newly emerging Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four cases of LF.7 in India. As of May 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified LF.7 and N.B.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs) and not Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOI).
Meanwhile, Kerala has reported 273 Covid-19 cases, prompting state Health Minister Veena George to direct all districts to increase surveillance. The minister announced that masks must be made mandatory in hospitals. Meanwhile, hospitals have been asked to keep beds and oxygen ready.
In Karnataka, the health department has advised those with symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) to get tested for Covid-19. It has been instructed that those admitted to hospitals with respiratory issues or heart-related illnesses must undergo a mandatory Covid test.
Karnataka health minister directed the officials to keep sufficient testing kits ready.” Preparations have been made for 5000 RTPCR kits and 5000 VDRL testing kits, which would be required for a month,” said the health minister.
The state government is urging the public and media alike to handle the situation with maturity. “Sensationalism only creates unnecessary fear,” Rao emphasised, encouraging responsible reporting and continued adherence to basic hygiene practices like handwashing and staying home if sick.
While vaccination coverage and natural immunity have contributed to reduced severity in most cases, health experts still recommend that the elderly and immunocompromised remain cautious. “We’ve learned a lot in the past five years. Most people will experience only mild symptoms. But if you’re in a high-risk group, don’t ignore early signs,” a senior physician at a Bengaluru hospital advised.
Meanwhile, he also advised new mothers and pregnant women to wear masks in public places.
In Andhra Pradesh, even though the state has not seen a rapid spike in cases, the state government instructed health facilities to maintain adequate supplies of vaccines, PPE kits, and triple-layer masks. Those who are returning from Covid-affected countries, mostly South Asian nations, have been advised to undergo testing.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
