Covid-19 cases have been rising across the country over the past few weeks. Concerns have increased after two new variants were detected, according to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog), a central government agency.

The variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, were found in India recently. One case of NB.1.8.1 was reported in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were detected in May.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified both LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). However, these variants are reportedly behind the surge in Covid-19 cases in China and other parts of Asia.

In India, Kerala has reported the highest number of cases, with 273 active infections in May. Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have also reported a rise in cases.

In Karnataka, five new Covid-19 cases were reported on Saturday, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 38. Bengaluru accounts for 32 of these cases.

Bengaluru also reported a Covid-related death. An 84-year-old patient with co-morbidities died at Aster Hospital in Whitefield after testing positive on May 17.

A nine-month-old baby boy in Bengaluru also tested positive on Thursday. He was first admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to Vani Vilas Hospital in Kalasipalya.

In response to the rising cases, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory. It urges pregnant women, children, and people with co-morbidities to wear face masks in crowded places and use hand sanitiser.

Delhi reported 23 new Covid-19 cases as of Thursday. The government has asked people not to panic and said it is fully prepared to handle the situation.

“We are in constant touch with medical superintendents of all hospitals in Delhi. The Delhi government is fully prepared. There is no need to panic as the latest variant appears similar to common influenza,” said Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh.

Maharashtra recorded 47 new cases on Saturday and 45 more on Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 209. The state also reported its fourth Covid-19 death, a 21-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis who died in a Thane hospital.

According to central government sources cited by PTI, most Covid-19 cases reported across states are mild and patients are recovering at home.

The Union Health Secretary reviewed the Covid-19 situation on Saturday with officials from the Department of Health Research (DHR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Officials also said that India has a strong surveillance system in place for tracking respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19. This includes the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR’s respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network.