Why are COVID-19 cases rising again in India — and should you be worried?

Health authorities are closely tracking a recent rise in Covid-19 cases across several Indian states, even as parts of Asia — including Hong Kong and Singapore — report regional surges, according to The Times of India.

While overall national numbers remain low compared to earlier waves, cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have seen a noticeable uptick in infections.

Mumbai alone has reported 95 Covid-19 cases so far in May — a significant increase, given that Maharashtra has logged just 106 cases since January, as per the state health department. At least 16 people are currently hospitalised, with some patients being transferred from KEM Hospital to Seven Hills Hospital to curb further transmission.


Authorities have also begun testing all individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) for Covid-19.

Why are COVID-19 cases rising?

The recent surge in Covid-19 cases is largely attributed to the heightened transmissibility of emerging subvariants and the gradual waning of immunity across the population. While most individuals have previously been exposed to the virus through infection or vaccination, the protection from that immunity is diminishing over time.

This has triggered noticeable spikes in several regions:
Singapore recorded a 28% rise in infections during the week ending May 3, 2025.
Hong Kong experienced a sharp increase in its test positivity rate, jumping from 6.21% to 13.66% over four weeks, signaling rapid spread of the newer variants.

Experts cite a combination of factors behind the trend: declining immunity, reduced effectiveness of earlier vaccines, increased social interactions, relaxed safety protocols, and possible seasonal effects.

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 pandemic over in May 2023, the virus continues to circulate globally.

In India, most new cases are mild, with no deaths or ICU cases so far in this recent rise.

Doctors are advising older people, pregnant women, and those with health issues to be extra careful, wear masks in closed spaces and wash hands often. They also suggest getting a flu shot to avoid co-infections.