COVID-19 cases rise in India, Kerala and Maharashtra report most cases
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As COVID-19 resurges in parts of Asia, India has recorded 164 new cases since May 12, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu leading the country’s tally.
The total number of active cases in India now stands at 257.
Kerala logged the highest number of fresh cases at 69, followed by Maharashtra with 44, and Tamil Nadu with 34. Although Maharashtra reported two deaths recently, doctors clarified that these were not directly caused by COVID-19. However, both patients tested positive for the virus.
Maharashtra currently has 56 active cases. Two deaths were reported at Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital — a 59-year-old cancer patient and a 14-year-old girl suffering from kidney disease. Both were COVID-19 positive but died due to their existing health conditions.
Concerns have been raised about why COVID-19 was not mentioned in the death certificates. Former Corporator Anil Kokil stated, “The woman was cremated at the Bhoiwada crematorium with only two family members, as per protocol.”
In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) explained that both patients had been brought to Mumbai from Sindhudurg and Dombivali for treatment and that their deaths were due to severe co-morbidities, not the virus.
The recent rise in cases has exposed gaps in Mumbai’s public healthcare system. Nearly 200 new primary health centers and sub-centers are reportedly non-functional due to insufficient staff, resources, and infrastructure.
While urging citizens to stay alert, the BMC assured that the situation remains under control. It said hospitals are well-equipped and ready to handle any potential surge. COVID-19 cases in Mumbai had remained low from January to April 2025, and although a few cases have emerged in May, authorities noted that there is no sign of a serious outbreak or cluster yet.
Beyond India, a notable spike in COVID-19 cases has been reported in Hong Kong and Singapore. Hong Kong’s health officials described the virus’ current activity as “quite high,” according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the city's Center for Health Protection.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health also acknowledged a rise in cases in its update dated May 13. “There is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants,” the ministry stated.
Between April 27 and May 3, 2025, Singapore saw a jump in estimated weekly cases from 11,100 to 14,200. Average daily hospitalisations also increased from 102 to 133 during the same period.