COVID Cases Near 4,000 in India, Kerala Worst-Hit; Centre Says ‘No Need to Panic, We Are Prepared’

New Delhi: India is witnessing a fresh rise in COVID-19 cases, with active infections nearing the 4,000 mark, according to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry. On Monday, June 2, the ministry reported 3,961 active cases, up from 3,758 the previous day — signaling a steady but manageable uptick.

Health officials have attributed the increase to two fast-mutating subvariants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are currently being tracked across several states. While Kerala continues to report the highest number of active infections at over 1,400, West Bengal registered the sharpest single-day spike with 82 new cases. Delhi’s tally rose to 436, and Gujarat crossed the 300-mark. Maharashtra has recorded 485 active cases so far and seven deaths since January.

The Health Ministry confirmed two more fatalities from Karnataka and Kerala over the weekend, bringing India’s COVID-related death toll for 2025 to 28.

Despite the surge, officials have emphasized there is no cause for alarm. “We are closely monitoring the variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. There is no need for panic, but we do urge people to avoid crowded spaces if they’re symptomatic,” a senior health official told The Indian Express. The ministry also said the country’s healthcare system is fully equipped to handle the rise. “Medical infrastructure is well-equipped to manage a rise in cases. We are prepared,” a spokesperson told Hindustan Times.