Amid a rise in Covid-19 cases, a case of the newly emerging Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four instances of the LF.7 type have been detected in India, the INSACOG data stated on Saturday.
Fresh cases of the coronavirus have also recently been reported from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi.
While Delhi recorded 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh reported four in the last 24 hours, Telangana confirmed one, and a nine-month-old in Bengaluru tested positive amid a gradual rise over the past 20 days. Kerala reported 273 cases in May alone.
With more tests being conducted, Uttarakhand’s state health department sounded a high alert in many districts, intensifying preventive measures in line with central government guidelines.
This comes as the Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health.
While Covid-19 is now considered another type of viral infection, basic precautions such as hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded areas and avoiding unnecessary gatherings are still encouraged, a statement by the Ministry read.
NB.1.8.1, LF.7 VARIANTS DETECTED IN INDIA
As of May 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. However, these are the variants that are reportedly driving the rise in Covid-19 cases in China and parts of Asia.
According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in April in Tamil Nadu and four cases of LF.7 were detected in Gujarat in May.
In India, the most common variant remains JN.1, comprising 53 per cent of samples tested, followed by BA.2 (26 per cent) and other Omicron sublineages (20 per cent).
DELHI GOVT ISSUES ADVISORY AFTER FRESH COVID-19 CASES
According to an advisory by the Delhi government, authorities have been asked for necessary preparedness after 23 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the national capital.
However, according to the experts, the situation is under control.
The advisory directed all hospitals to ensure preparedness for the availability of beds, oxygen, and medicines.
The Office of the Health Minister of the Delhi government, the Health Department of Delhi also released a precautionary advisory stating that this was for routine surveillance and there is no cause for concern. The health department assured that they are committed to monitoring the situation.
The advisory also urged all health institutions to send positive samples for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital to facilitate early detection of any new variants.
Additionally, confirmed influenza and Covid-19 cases may also be reported on the IHIP under the L form.
COVID-19 ON THE RISE IN MAHARASHTRA
As many as 10 cases of Covid-19 were detected in Maharashtra’s Thane city over the last three days, with the civic administration urging hospitals to stay vigilant, it was reported on Saturday.
According to a release issued by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the affected patients showed mild symptoms and are undergoing treatment at home.
The civic body has urged people not to panic and follow precautionary measures. It also made arrangements for potential hospital admissions if needed.
It has assured that the situation is under control and appealed to the public not to panic.
HIGH ALERT IN UTTARAKHAND
Two women, including a doctor from AIIMS Rishikesh, tested positive for Covid-19 in Uttarakhand, prompting the state health department to issue a high alert.
According to officials, both individuals recently travelled to Uttarakhand from other states.
A 57-year-old woman from Gujarat who had come to Rishikesh for religious purposes exhibited symptoms of coronavirus. After testing, she was confirmed positive and was placed under treatment. The second patient was identified as a doctor from Bengaluru who was receiving treatment at home.
CASES ON RISE IN BENGALURU
The Karnataka Health Department also issued an advisory and stated that a gradual increase is seen in terms of the spread of Covid-19 in Bengaluru in the last 20 days. No serious cases were, however, reported.
The advisory urged that the general public must comply with Covid-19 appropriate behaviour proactively, and advised that pregnant women, children, immuno-compromised persons and those with comorbid conditions wear face masks while visiting crowded areas.
Steps like using hand sanitizers may also be followed, and those with Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) must consider getting tested for Covid-19 for timely treatment and to check further spread of Covid-19, the advisory stated.
Meanwhile, a nine-month-old baby tested positive for Covid-19 in Bengaluru, the Health department officials confirmed on Friday. Reportedly, the infant was safe without complications and was under treatment.
NEW COVID CASES IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday said four Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the state in the past 24 hours—three in Visakhapatnam and one in the Rayalaseema region.
The minister said a woman in Vizag tested positive on Thursday, followed by her family member and a postgraduate medical student who tested positive on Friday.
According to the minister, the first case in the port city had no travel history. He stressed there is no need to panic, as the state is well prepared.
He further said that testing kits had been readied and district health officials have been instructed to stay alert, among other precautionary measures.
NEW COVID CASES IN GHAZIABAD
Four people tested positive for Covid-19 in Ghaziabad, prompting the health department to increase surveillance in the district, officials said on Friday.
While three of the infected individuals are currently in home isolation, one patient has been admitted to a private hospital, they said.
According to a report released by District Surveillance Officer Dr RK Gupta, all four cases were reported from the Trans-Hindon area of the district.
Among the patients is an 18-year-old woman who had fever and cough since May 18 and was hospitalised. She tested positive for Covid-19 during her treatment at a private hospital, the report said.
An elderly couple who recently returned from Bengaluru and live in Vasundhara colony also tested positive. They had fever and cough, and got tested on the advice of a doctor. Both are currently recuperating at home.
