The country reported 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, and a cumulative death toll of 53 lakh and 4.45 crore recoveries till 8 am on Monday, 26 May.
Published May 26, 2025 | 8:32 PM ⚊ Updated May 26, 2025 | 8:32 PM
Masks are mandatory for healthcare workers and in all hospital settings.
Synopsis: The severity of Covid-19 infections has drastically declined. The situation today is not comparable to 2020 or 2021. Vaccination served its primary purpose — to build baseline immune memory — and that has already been achieved both through the national vaccination drive and natural infection
Active Covid-19 cases have crossed the 1,000-mark in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has said.
As of 8 am on Monday, 26 May, the country reported 1,009 active cases, and a cumulative death toll of 53 lakh and 4.45 crore recoveries.
The total number of vaccinations administered remains at 220 crore, last updated in June 2024. While India’s case count remains modest compared to previous waves, the rise comes amid a broader surge in Covid-19 infections across parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, raising concerns over a regional uptick.
In Thailand, the situation remains particularly concerning. Between 18 and 24 May, the country recorded 52,917 new cases and four additional deaths, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Of these, 2,784 cases required hospitalisation, pushing the cumulative total for 2025 to over 186,000 infections and 44 deaths. The highest case loads were reported from Bangkok, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, and Rayong.
Thai health authorities have linked the seasonal rise to the rainy season and the school term, warning that crowded spaces like public transport, schools, and care homes remain high-risk zones. The public has been advised to wear masks if symptomatic, avoid close contact with individuals showing respiratory symptoms, and get tested using ATK kits when infection is suspected.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the situation is more controlled, with just 148 cases reported across 27 provinces since January and no reported deaths. However, a slight uptick has been noted in recent weeks, with around 20 new cases per week. The Vietnamese Health Ministry has urged continued vigilance — including mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and medical consultation for symptoms like cough, fever, or breathing difficulties.
In India, the current surge is driven primarily by Kerala (430 cases), Maharashtra (209), and Delhi (104). Recent fatalities include a 21-year-old patient in Thane and an 84-year-old man with comorbidities in Karnataka. Delhi alone recorded 99 new cases in the past week, prompting fears of a fresh outbreak.
New variants such as NB.1.8.1 (detected in Tamil Nadu) and LF.7 (reported in Gujarat) have been identified by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).
Though not classified as Variants of Concern by the World Health Organization, both subvariants are under monitoring and have been associated with recent spikes in China and other parts of Asia.
“There is no need for panic or undue anxiety about the hospitalisation situation in Asian countries, including Thailand,” said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin.
He added that what we are seeing in India mirrors trends across other Asian countries. Covid-19 is just one of several causes of fever and upper respiratory infections this season. For the most part, it is not causing severe disease, and in cases where deaths are recorded, Covid often appears to be more of a bystander rather than the primary cause.
“Unless there is a marked change in the clinical profile — such as early organ involvement — there is no reason for alarm,” he added.
On the question of whether another round of vaccination is needed, Dr Jayadevan said, “India’s population is well-immunised, with high vaccine coverage and widespread exposure to multiple rounds of natural infection. As a result, baseline immunity is high, particularly against severe disease and death.”
However, immunity against infection itself is short-lived, lasting on average only about six months. This means that even if you take a booster dose, protection from infection would last less than six months. By the time a new variant emerges, that immunity may no longer be effective.
“Importantly, the severity of Covid-19 infections has drastically declined. The situation today is not comparable to 2020 or 2021. Vaccination served its primary purpose — to build baseline immune memory — and that has already been achieved both through the national vaccination drive and natural infection,” he said.
“So the vaccination equation has changed. Individuals with severe comorbidities should consult their doctors about whether additional precautions or boosters are advisable,” Dr Jayadevan added.
In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reviewed the Covid-19 status and directed officials to stay prepared despite no current cause for panic.
They emphasized ensuring the availability of ventilators, oxygen cylinders, and essential medicines. The elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung conditions were advised to wear masks.
Weekly or even tri-daily situation reviews were suggested. Siddaramaiah instructed that pregnant women with comorbidities should not be transferred between hospitals and called for starting a dedicated Covid helpline.
He also said that children with symptoms should not attend school, and teachers must be vigilant. Preparations for airport screening and keeping health staff on duty were also discussed.
In Telangana, Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha held a high-level review meeting with experts from institutions like CCMB, AIIMS Bibinagar, and CDFD.
Experts said there is no immediate Covid-19 threat, though those with low immunity should remain cautious. The minister called for enhanced surveillance for respiratory and vector-borne diseases ahead of the monsoon, especially dengue and typhoid.
He directed officials to improve sanitation, initiate district-level coordination, and collaborate with scientific institutions for effective seasonal disease preparedness.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
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