India is witnessing a fresh COVID-19 surge in June 2025, with over 4,300 active cases and 7 new deaths. Rising infections in Delhi, UP, West Bengal, and Gujarat spark public health concerns amid the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant.
India’s COVID-19 Surge in June 2025: A Renewed Threat in 2025
India is once again grappling with a renewed rise in COVID-19 cases. As of early June 2025, over 4,300 active cases have been reported across the country, with seven fatalities registered in a 24-hour span. The states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat are seeing a noticeable uptick in new infections, prompting public health advisories and calls for renewed vigilance.
This unexpected rise comes after months of relatively low transmission, and the surge is being closely monitored by the Union Health Ministry, epidemiologists, and state governments. The emergence of the NB.1.8.1 Omicron subvariant, first identified in China, is believed to be a significant contributor to the new wave.
Current National Scenario: Tracking the Numbers
As of June 4, 2025:
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Total active cases: 4,366
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Daily increase in active cases: 276
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Patients discharged in 24 hours: 3,281
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New deaths: 7
While the absolute numbers are far from the peaks seen in earlier waves, the sharp upward trajectory is drawing concern, especially given the virus’s history of exponential spread.
State-Wise COVID-19 Spike: Delhi, UP, Bengal, and Gujarat on Alert
Delhi
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New cases: 64
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Active cases: 483
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Hospitalizations: Rising gradually
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Fatality: A 22-year-old woman with a history of TB and respiratory complications succumbed to COVID pneumonia
The Delhi government has urged citizens to wear masks in crowded places and has reintroduced screening protocols in some hospitals and educational institutions.
Uttar Pradesh
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New cases: 63
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Districts affected: Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Noida, Varanasi
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Health alert issued: Yes
Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare officials have begun reactivating contingency plans for oxygen supply, emergency beds, and isolation facilities.
West Bengal
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New infections: 60
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Affected districts: Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and Darjeeling
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Response: CM Mamata Banerjee held an emergency review meeting with health officials
With memories of the 2021 Delta wave still fresh in public consciousness, Bengal’s health infrastructure is being put on high alert.
Gujarat
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New cases: 108
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Active cases: 461
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Hospitalization: 20 patients admitted; others under home isolation
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Fatality: One death reported due to COVID-related complications
The Gujarat Health Department stated that over 70% of the new cases were infected with the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, detected via genome sequencing.
The NB.1.8.1 Subvariant: A New Player in the Pandemic
This Omicron offshoot is believed to be more transmissible and partially immune-evasive. Although not confirmed to cause more severe disease, its rapid spread has been flagged by global health bodies.
Key Characteristics
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Transmissibility: Higher than previous Omicron subvariants
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Severity: Mild to moderate, especially in vaccinated individuals
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Immune Escape: Can partially bypass immunity from previous infection or vaccination
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First detected: China, now reported in Southeast Asia and parts of the U.S.
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), NB.1.8.1 is now present in over 10 Indian states.
Fatalities: Underlying Conditions Remain a Key Risk Factor
Among the seven reported COVID-related deaths:
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4 in Maharashtra: Elderly patients with comorbidities like diabetes, COPD, and Parkinson’s
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1 in Delhi: A young woman with past tuberculosis and COVID pneumonia
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1 in Tamil Nadu: A 76-year-old man with ARDS and multi-organ failure
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1 in Gujarat: Details awaited, but comorbid conditions likely
This pattern underscores that COVID-19 continues to be life-threatening for individuals with existing health vulnerabilities, even in the post-vaccination phase of the pandemic.
Hospital Readiness: Are We Prepared for Another Wave?
Hospital Admissions Rising
Several Tier-1 and Tier-2 city hospitals have reported a mild rise in admissions, particularly among the elderly and those with underlying diseases.
In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, private hospitals have begun setting aside dedicated COVID wards again.
Oxygen and ICU Preparedness
In anticipation of a further spike, states have started reviewing:
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Oxygen stock levels
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ICU bed availability
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Ventilator readiness
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Ambulance fleet coordination
Vaccination Update: How Immune is India?
India’s COVID vaccination campaign has slowed down significantly in 2024–25 due to pandemic fatigue and the perceived end of the emergency.
Vaccination Coverage (as of May 2025):
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First dose: 95% of eligible adults
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Second dose: 89%
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Booster (precaution) dose: ~42% uptake
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New variant-specific booster: Approved but not widely administered yet
The low booster uptake is a concern, especially with NB.1.8.1’s immune-evasive properties.
Public Health Advisory: Government Response So Far
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued the following directives:
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State-level genome sequencing intensification
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Daily case monitoring and district-wise tracking
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Stockpiling of antiviral drugs and PPE kits
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Resumption of public awareness campaigns
No lockdown or curfew has been announced, but states have the autonomy to impose localized restrictions if necessary.
Expert Opinions: What Should Citizens Know?
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS Director, has stated:
“The rise in cases is not unexpected given the emergence of a new variant. Most infections are mild, but vulnerable populations must exercise caution.”
Public health expert Dr. Anupam Sinha emphasized:
“We must not wait for the situation to spiral out of control. Preventive masking, testing, and vaccination are our best tools.”
Social Behavior: Are People Letting Their Guard Down?
Complacency Returns
After over two years of strict protocols, many people have:
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Stopped wearing masks
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Avoided booster doses
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Resumed large gatherings without caution
In urban areas, malls, metros, and markets are once again crowded and largely mask-free, raising concerns about rapid community transmission.
Schools, Offices, and Public Spaces: Any New Guidelines?
Schools
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No closures announced yet
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Thermal screening resumed in Delhi and Gujarat schools
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Online classes being prepared as backup
Workplaces
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No return to mandatory WFH policies
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Advisories issued for hybrid models and ventilation improvement
Travel and Transport
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No fresh travel bans
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Domestic flights continue normally
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Passengers from high-risk areas are being screened at select airports
International Comparisons: Global Cases Also Rising
India is not alone. Many parts of the world—including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia—are experiencing minor surges in cases linked to new Omicron variants.
WHO’s Position
The World Health Organization has warned that COVID-19 is still a public health threat, despite global vaccination coverage and improved treatments.
The WHO recommends continued testing, global cooperation, and transparency in variant tracking.
Lessons from the Past: Avoiding Mistakes
India’s devastating second wave in 2021 taught hard lessons:
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The importance of oxygen supply chains
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Early warnings based on variant detection
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Transparent case reporting
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Health infrastructure readiness
Authorities and citizens alike are being reminded not to repeat the errors of delay and denial.
Looking Ahead: What Can Citizens Do?
Preventive Measures Still Matter
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Mask up in crowded areas
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Get the booster dose, especially the elderly
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Avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk zones
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Isolate if symptomatic
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Get tested promptly
Digital Tools
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The Aarogya Setu app is being updated with new alerts
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State health portals are now sharing real-time case data again
Conclusion: A Time for Caution, Not Panic
India’s COVID-19 surge in June 2025 is a wake-up call. While the situation is under control for now, the potential for rapid spread remains. With new variants on the horizon, the emphasis must return to community-level precautions, state-level readiness, and scientific vigilance.
Every citizen has a role to play in ensuring that history does not repeat itself.
External References
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