India’s active Covid cases top 4,000: 5 deaths signal cautious alert

India’s Covid-19 active cases have surged past 4,000 as of June 3, driven by Omicron sub-variant JN.1, with five deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra’s health department is ramping up hospital preparedness amid rising infections, while experts stress testing and basic precautions remain vital.

Sources:
MintThehinduIndiatoday+3
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: IndiatodayTimesofindiaNews18+1
India's active COVID-19 cases have crossed the 4,000 threshold, reaching 4,026 as of June 3, with five new deaths reported in the last 24 hours, signaling a cautious alert among health authorities.

Kerala remains the state with the highest active caseload at 1,435 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 506 and West Bengal with 330. Delhi and Karnataka have also seen notable increases, with Delhi reporting 124 new infections and an active case count of 393.

The surge is attributed to the spread of Omicron subvariants, particularly the JN.1 variant, which, according to ICMR director general Rajiv Behl, are not classified as severe. Despite this, health experts emphasize the importance of vigilance and testing. Dr. Kataria advised, "If someone is experiencing cough, cold, or fever, hospitalised patients with pneumonia must also be tested."

Pulmonologist Dr. Vikas Maurya noted an increase in patients reporting persistent cough and bronchitis-like breathlessness but expressed concern over testing hesitancy, stating, "Even when I prescribe RT-PCR tests, only about three out of five patients follow through."

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged adherence to existing COVID-19 guidelines and precautionary measures, especially in crowded public spaces. Maharashtra's health department has instructed civic bodies to ensure hospital preparedness, including mock drills for oxygen supply systems.

While the current vaccines remain effective against circulating strains, including JN.1, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, following WHO recommendations for a risk-based, integrated approach to managing COVID-19.

Key stats:
- Active cases: 4,026 nationwide
- Deaths reported recently: 5
- Kerala active cases: 1,435
- Maharashtra active cases: 506
- Delhi new cases: 124

The rise in cases, though mostly mild, underscores the need for continued vigilance and public health readiness amid evolving viral variants.
Sources: IndiatodayTimesofindiaNews18
India's active COVID-19 cases have surpassed 4,000, with 5 deaths reported recently, prompting cautious alert. Kerala leads with 1,435 active cases, followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal. Health experts warn of rising infections driven by Omicron subvariants, urging continued testing and adherence to safety protocols.
Section 1 background
The Headline

India’s active Covid cases surpass 4,000 with mild symptoms; 5 deaths reported

Genome sequencing of samples from southern and western India indicates the current surge in cases is driven by sub-variants of Omicron, which are not classified as severe.
ICMR director general Rajiv Behl
Timesofindia
Key Facts
  • India’s active Covid-19 cases have crossed 4,000, reaching 4,026 as of June 3, 2025, with most cases presenting mild symptoms.IndiatodayTimesofindia
  • Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal are reporting significant new infections and active case counts, with Kerala topping the list at 1,435 active cases.MintNews18
  • Five new Covid-19 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in India, signaling a cautious alert despite the mild nature of most infections.TimesofindiaThehindu
  • The rise in cases is driven by Omicron sub-variants, especially the JN.1 variant, which is not considered severe and does not currently require a new or variant-specific booster.TimesofindiaNews18
  • Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka have recorded the largest number of Covid-19 deaths this year, with Kerala and Maharashtra reporting eight fatalities each.Thehindu
  • Doctors emphasize the importance of testing for symptomatic individuals, but note hesitancy in following test prescriptions, with only about 60% of patients complying with RT-PCR test recommendations.Indiatoday
Key Stats at a Glance
India's active Covid-19 cases
4026 cases
Indiatoday
New Covid-19 deaths in last 24 hours in India
5 deaths
Timesofindia
Kerala active Covid-19 cases
1435 cases
News18
Maharashtra active Covid-19 cases
506 cases
News18
West Bengal active Covid-19 cases
330 cases
News18
Covid-19 deaths in Kerala
8 deaths
Thehindu
Covid-19 deaths in Delhi
4 deaths
Thehindu

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Section 2 background
Background Context

WHO flags global rise; Maharashtra boosts hospital readiness

WHO has recommended continued monitoring as an essential element to controlling COVID spread. It had also advised all member-states to continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing COVID-19.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Thehindu
Key Facts
  • Global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been rising since mid-February 2025, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels not seen since July 2024.Thehindu
  • Maharashtra’s health department has instructed civic bodies to check hospital preparedness and conduct mock drills to ensure the efficiency of Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) oxygen plants and overall oxygen supply readiness.Indianexpress
  • Precautionary guidelines issued by the central government are advised to be followed despite most cases being mild, as a measure to control the spread.Indianexpress
Key Stats at a Glance
Global SARS-CoV-2 test positivity rate
11%
Thehindu
Mock drills for PSA oxygen plant efficiency
1 count
Indianexpress
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