New Delhi: India’s active Covid-19 cases dropped to 5,976 on Friday, down from 6,483 the previous day, amid concerns over emerging Omicron sub-variants. According to Mint, the Union Health Ministry reported three new Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours—two from Delhi and one from Kerala—bringing this year’s death toll to 116.
Health officials have identified two new sub-lineages, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, as offshoots of the JN.1 variant and linked to the current uptick in infections. However, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stated these strains do not appear to cause increased disease severity compared to earlier Omicron waves.
Several states are now witnessing a steady decline in cases. Kerala leads with 1,309 active cases, followed by Gujarat (1,046), West Bengal (747), Delhi (632), Karnataka (466), and Maharashtra (443).
ICMR’s genomic surveillance data shows that while the earlier wave was driven by the JN.1.16 variant, recent cases are mostly due to recombinant forms such as LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. Despite their mutations, all circulating variants remain within the Omicron lineage.
The Health Ministry has urged citizens to continue following Covid-appropriate behaviour, especially avoiding crowded places and isolating when sick. While Covid-19 is now considered endemic in India, officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness.
States and union territories have been instructed to review hospital readiness, ensuring the availability of oxygen, critical care beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. A nationwide mock drill was recently conducted to assess oxygen infrastructure in healthcare facilities.
Public health surveillance systems are actively monitoring Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. All SARI hospital admissions and 5% of ILI cases are tested for Covid-19, with positive SARI samples sent for genome sequencing to detect emerging variants.
Meanwhile, 1,219 people recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries in 2025 to 17,164, Mint reported.
