India reported a fresh spike in Covid-19 cases, registering over 6,800 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The highest number of cases were recorded in Karnataka and Gujarat, with each reporting more than 120 cases. While the central government has not hinted at reimposing large-scale restrictions, citizens have been advised to maintain caution, wear masks in crowded areas, and follow basic hygiene protocols.

Kerala continues to remain a state of concern, recording 96 new cases. Health Minister Veena George stated that the majority of new infections were caused by the Omicron JN.1 subvariants LF.7 and XFG, which are known to spread quickly though not considered highly severe. She stressed the importance of protective measures, especially for the elderly and those with comorbidities. Genomic sequencing is underway to monitor variant behavior and inform timely responses.

As of now, Kerala has 2,223 active Covid-19 cases, with Ernakulam (431), Kottayam (426), and Thiruvananthapuram (365) districts contributing the most. Meanwhile, health experts, including former ICMR chief Dr. Balram Bhargava, have described the emergence of new variants as a natural progression of the virus’s evolution. He reassured that India’s diagnostic infrastructure, such as widespread Truenat testing, enables quick detection and containment of potential outbreaks.