India Prime | Health Desk, Maharashtra । COVID India Update: Two Deaths Reported in Mumbai Linked to JN.1 and LF.7 Variants  The threat of coronavirus appears to be making a comeback. In India alone, 164 COVID-19 cases have been reported between May 12 and May 19, 2025. The most recent and concerning development is the death of two people in Mumbai who were infected with COVID-19.

However, doctors clarified that COVID-19 was not the sole cause of death in either case. According to media sources, the first victim was a 59-year-old woman battling cancer, while the second was a 14-year-old girl suffering from a chronic kidney disease.

Is COVID-19 Returning in India?

There is a visible uptick in cases, especially in southern states:

• Kerala: 70 new cases

• Maharashtra: 44 new cases (56 active cases)

• Tamil Nadu: 34 new cases

• Karnataka: 8 cases

Is This New Wave Dangerous?

According to health experts, the current wave does not seem severe. A recent review meeting involving DGHS, NCDC, ICMR, and other key agencies concluded that the surge in Southeast Asia and now in India is mainly due to new Omicron sub-variants JN.1 and LF.7.

Common symptoms include:

• Cough

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also confirmed that the JN.1 variant is under monitoring but is not classified as a serious threat at this time.

Should You Still Take Precautions?

Yes! Health authorities recommend continuing basic COVID safety protocols:

• Wear masks in crowded places

• Wash hands frequently

• Consult a doctor if you have fever or cough

• Get vaccinated and take booster doses

How to Test for COVID-19 at Home?

You can easily test for COVID at home using affordable self-test kits available in pharmacies or online platforms. These kits are user-friendly and give results within minutes.

What’s Happening in Hong Kong and Singapore?

Singapore has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 cases:

• April 2025: 11,100 cases

• First week of May: 14,200 cases

• A 28% increase in infections

• Hospitalizations have gone up by 30%

Hong Kong has reported:

• 31 deaths as of May 3, 2025, the highest weekly toll in the past year

• A 30% rise in weekly cases over the last 10 weeks

Conclusion:

India is witnessing a mild surge in COVID-19 cases, mostly due to the JN.1 and LF.7 Omicron variants. While the symptoms are mild and hospitalizations are rare, the government and health experts urge caution and preparedness, not panic.