KARNATAKA SEES SHARP RISE IN COVID-19 CASES, BENGALURU AT EPICENTER
Karnataka is witnessing a renewed surge in Covid-19 cases, with Bengaluru emerging as the focal point of this uptick. As of May 26, 2025, the state has reported 80 active cases, with a striking 73 located in Bengaluru alone. This sharp increase has prompted state authorities, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to issue a call for full preparedness across hospitals and public health systems, even as officials urge the public not to panic and emphasize that the majority of new infections are presenting with only mild symptoms.
Karnataka’s health infrastructure is being closely monitored to ensure it can handle any sudden surge in Covid-19 cases. Hospitals across the state have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, oxygen cylinders, and ventilators, preparing for any potential increase in severe cases despite the current predominance of mild symptoms.
The government has also ramped up public awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and booster doses. Officials are encouraging eligible citizens to get their updated Covid-19 vaccines to bolster immunity, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Contact tracing efforts have been intensified in Bengaluru and other affected districts to quickly identify and isolate new cases. Health workers are conducting door-to-door surveys in hotspots to monitor symptoms and provide timely medical assistance, aiming to prevent community transmission from escalating.
FIRST COVID-19 DEATH OF 2025 AND RISING CASES
The state recorded its first Covid-19-related death of the year: an 85-year-old man from Bengaluru with multiple comorbidities, including heart disease and tuberculosis. He was bedridden for nearly a year and succumbed to respiratory distress after testing positive for Covid-19 on May 17. An official audit is underway to determine the exact cause of death, but health officials have clarified that most current infections are mild, with only one patient hospitalized and the rest recovering at home.
The total number of active cases in Karnataka has fluctuated in recent days, with reports ranging from 47 to 80, reflecting both an increase in testing and the dynamic nature of case reporting. Across India, active cases have also climbed, reaching 1,009 as of May 26, up from 257 a week earlier.
Schools and educational institutions have been advised to implement strict health protocols, including regular sanitization, maintaining physical distancing, and monitoring students for any signs of illness. Authorities are prepared to shift to online learning if the situation worsens, ensuring minimal disruption to education.
Workplaces and public transport systems are also under scrutiny, with recommendations for mask usage and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of spread. Employers are being urged to allow flexible work-from-home arrangements where feasible, especially for employees with health vulnerabilities.
The state government is coordinating with the central government to secure additional resources and technical support. This collaboration includes sharing data, accessing national stockpiles of medical supplies, and aligning public health strategies to manage the evolving situation effectively.
STATE GOVERNMENT RAMPS UP TESTING, ISSUES FRESH ADVISORIES
In response to the uptick, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has directed all government hospitals to stock at least one month’s supply of RTPCR kits, with 5,000 kits already distributed. Testing has been made mandatory for individuals with respiratory symptoms, SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases, and high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. The state has also increased daily RT-PCR testing targets to 150-200 and is monitoring SARI and ILI (Influenza-like Illness) cases at both government and private hospitals.
Bengaluru’s major medical institutions, including NIMHANS, BMCRI, and the National Institute of Virology, are among the 10 designated Covid testing centers in the city. The government has also procured 2,500 rapid antigen test kits, 1.3 lakh RNA extraction kits, and two lakh viral transport medium kits to ensure readiness for any further escalation.
Karnataka’s Covid-19 vaccination drive continues to make progress, with millions having received their primary doses and boosters. Efforts are underway to reach remote and underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to vaccines and reducing disparities in immunity levels across the state.
The economic impact of the current Covid-19 wave is being closely monitored. While authorities hope to avoid stringent restrictions, they remain vigilant about potential disruptions to businesses, tourism, and daily life, ready to implement targeted measures if necessary to safeguard public health without hampering economic recovery.
Mental health support services have been expanded to address pandemic-related stress and anxiety. Helplines and counseling centers are available to assist individuals coping with uncertainty, isolation, or grief, recognizing the importance of holistic health during prolonged public health challenges.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND VULNERABLE GROUPS
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered all district hospitals to ensure the availability of oxygen, ventilators, medicines, and beds. He instructed officials to closely monitor trends and consider airport screening if cases continue to rise. Guidelines for schools include screening students for symptoms, sending sick children home, and advising parents not to send children with cold or fever to school. Elderly people, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung ailments are urged to wear masks in public spaces, though masks are not currently mandated for the general population.
Hospitals have been told to avoid transferring high-risk pregnant women and ensure that treatment is available locally. Health staff have been instructed to remain at their posts without taking leave, and weekly technical advisory committee meetings have been mandated to monitor the evolving situation.
NO NEED FOR PANIC, BUT CAUTION ADVISED
Despite the rise in cases, both the Chief Minister and Health Minister have repeatedly emphasized that there is no need for panic. Most cases are mild, and there is no evidence of increased severity or hospitalization rates. The current surge is being attributed to newer Omicron sub-lineages such as JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8, which are more transmissible but not more severe. Health experts believe Covid-19 is now behaving more like a seasonal respiratory virus, with periodic spikes expected as immunity wanes and new variants emerge.
The government has ruled out any immediate plans for lockdowns, travel bans, or curfews. Citizens are encouraged to maintain hygiene, use hand sanitizers, and wear masks in crowded places, especially if they belong to vulnerable groups. The overall message is to stay cautious but continue with daily routines.
The Karnataka government is also leveraging digital tools and mobile applications to track Covid-19 cases and disseminate timely information. Citizens are encouraged to use official health apps for self-reporting symptoms, booking vaccination slots, and receiving updates on containment zones or health advisories, making the response more efficient and transparent.
Epidemiologists are closely studying the genetic sequencing of new Covid-19 cases in Karnataka to monitor for any significant mutations or the emergence of new variants. This surveillance is crucial for early detection of potentially more transmissible or severe strains, enabling rapid adjustments to public health strategies if necessary.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Karnataka’s Covid-19 response. Local leaders, resident welfare associations, and NGOs are actively involved in spreading awareness, distributing masks and sanitizers, and supporting vulnerable families affected by the pandemic, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility.
Karnataka’s health department is also prioritizing rapid response teams in all districts, ensuring that any emerging clusters of Covid-19 cases can be swiftly contained. These teams are trained to conduct immediate testing, isolation, and contact tracing, which helps prevent localized outbreaks from spreading to the wider community.
Special attention is being given to high-density urban areas and slums in Bengaluru, where the risk of transmission is higher due to crowded living conditions. Authorities are working with local organizations to distribute hygiene kits and conduct educational drives about preventive practices, aiming to curb the spread in these vulnerable zones.
The state is also maintaining open lines of communication with the public through regular press briefings and updates from health officials. Transparent reporting of case numbers, recoveries, and fatalities helps build trust and keeps citizens informed about the evolving situation, reducing the spread of misinformation.
Ultimately, Karnataka’s approach to the current Covid-19 wave combines scientific vigilance, community participation, and proactive governance. By learning from past experiences and adapting strategies as needed, the state aims to protect public health while ensuring that daily life and economic progress continue with minimal disruption.
COVID-19 NOW SEASONAL, SAYS EXPERTS—FOCUS ON PREVENTION AND MONITORING
Doctors and public health experts are increasingly viewing Covid-19 as part of the regular cycle of viral infections, similar to influenza. The virus is expected to show seasonal fluctuations, with spikes during certain periods. The current wave is attributed to increased indoor gatherings, environmental changes, and waning immunity, especially in the absence of updated booster doses.
The state’s technical advisory committee continues to meet weekly to review trends and recommend appropriate measures. The government is also coordinating closely with the Centre, and any decision on vaccines or further restrictions will be made based on expert advice and national guidelines.
Looking ahead, Karnataka’s health officials emphasize the need for sustained vigilance, community cooperation, and adaptive responses. The state’s experience with previous Covid-19 waves has strengthened its preparedness, but officials caution that continued adherence to preventive measures remains crucial to keeping the virus in check and protecting public well-being.
As Karnataka navigates this latest Covid-19 wave, the overall sentiment among health authorities is one of cautious optimism. With robust systems in place, ongoing vaccination efforts, and a cooperative public, the state is hopeful of managing the situation effectively while minimizing disruptions to daily life and economic activities.
