NEW DELHI: After months of minimal activity, Covid-19 cases are once again on the rise across several Indian cities, prompting public health officials to ramp up surveillance and caution citizens against letting their guard down. Cities including Mumbai, Chennai, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ahmedabad have reported a noticeable uptick in daily infections over the past fortnight.

Mumbai leads with highest surge in May

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the city has recorded 95 cases in May alone — a sharp spike when compared to just 106 cases in the whole of Maharashtra between January and April this year. Sixteen patients have been hospitalised, though all are reported to be stable. In a precautionary move, several of these patients were transferred from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital.

"We are focusing on testing individuals with flu-like symptoms, especially SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) cases," said a senior civic health officer. "There's no cause for panic, but we are advising citizens to avoid large gatherings and mask up in enclosed spaces."

Chennai sees shift from influenza to Covid

Doctors in Chennai have observed a shift from influenza A and B infections to Covid-19 over the past two weeks. “Earlier, 60% of the viral load was influenza; now Covid is dominating,” said Dr. Subramaniam Swaminathan, infectious disease specialist at Gleneagles Healthcity.

This change has impacted hospital procedures, with several organ transplant and cardiac surgeries being deferred due to infection control concerns.

Fresh cases reported in Gurugram and Faridabad

In Haryana, three new cases have been confirmed this week—two in Gurugram and one in Faridabad. Among them is a 31-year-old woman who recently traveled from Mumbai and a 62-year-old man with no recent travel history. All cases are reportedly mild and are being managed through home isolation.

“There is no need for alarm,” said Dr. Alka Singh, Gurugram’s chief medical officer. “We are actively monitoring their contacts and advising basic precautions.”

Ahmedabad, Pune prepare for potential escalation

Ahmedabad recorded seven new cases in a single day this week, a sharp rise for a city that was reporting one case a month on average. While all patients are under home isolation, genomic testing is underway to detect any new subvariants.

In Pune, authorities have readied 50 beds at Naidu Hospital as a precaution, despite no Covid patients currently admitted in civic hospitals. “We are awaiting updated ICMR testing guidelines,” said Dr. Nina Borade, Pune Municipal Corporation’s health head.

New subvariants likely behind resurgence

Health experts believe the resurgence may be linked to two new subvariants—OF.7 and NB.1.8—both descendants of the JN.1 Omicron lineage. Though considered more transmissible, they have not yet been classified as variants of concern by the World Health Organization.

“These subvariants show higher infectivity but continue to cause only mild symptoms in most patients,” said a senior virologist.

Health ministry urges public not to panic

The Union Health Ministry has urged citizens not to panic, reiterating that the uptick is manageable. People have been advised to wear masks in crowded indoor settings, maintain hand hygiene, and get vaccinated, especially those in vulnerable categories such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions.

“We must remember the lessons of the past waves. Early action and sensible precautions can help us avoid a larger outbreak,” a ministry official said.