India has reported over 1,000 active Covid-19 cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). As of Monday, the country recorded 1,009 active cases, with a cumulative death toll of 5.3 million and over 44.5 million recoveries.
While the current figures remain modest compared to previous waves, the uptick coincides with a broader surge in Covid-19 cases across parts of Southeast Asia, prompting renewed concern over a possible regional escalation.
Thailand Faces Significant Increase
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported 52,917 new cases and four deaths between 18 and 24 May. Of these, 2,784 individuals required hospitalisation, bringing the country’s cumulative caseload for 2025 to over 186,000 infections and 44 deaths.
The highest numbers were recorded in Bangkok, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, and Rayong. Authorities have attributed the seasonal spike to the onset of the rainy season and the reopening of schools. Public health officials are urging people to wear masks if symptomatic, avoid crowded spaces, and use Antigen Test Kits (ATKs) when infection is suspected.
Vietnam Maintains Low Transmission but Stays Cautious
Vietnam has reported 148 Covid-19 cases across 27 provinces since January, with no deaths. However, health authorities have noted a gradual increase in recent weeks, averaging around 20 cases per week.
The Vietnamese Health Ministry continues to encourage precautionary measures, including wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and seeking medical attention for symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing.
India’s Rising Cases Concentrated in Key States
In India, the surge is largely concentrated in 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 infections in the past week, raising fears of a fresh outbreak in the capital.
New Subvariants Under Surveillance
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has identified two emerging subvariants: NB.1.8.1 in Tamil Nadu and LF.7 in Gujarat. While these have not been classified as Variants of Concern by the World Health Organization, they are under monitoring due to their potential links to recent spikes in China and other parts of Asia.
Health officials continue to urge public vigilance, especially in high-risk areas, and stress the importance of timely testing, symptom monitoring, and adherence to preventive guidelines.
