Covid 19: Rearing head again, Active cases crosses 250, ministry holds meeting

In view of recent reports highlighting an increase in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong in the last few weeks, the Director General of Health Services on Monday held a review meeting with 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.

As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality. Sources said the review meeting concluded that the current Covid-19 situation in India was under control.

So far, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have been clocking new infections. Kerala logged 69 new infections over the past week, followed by Maharashtra with 44 and Tamil Nadu with 34.

“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”, said the source.

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