Even as COVID-19 is becoming a big talk of the town again, India has also witnessed a slight uptick in recent days, with the Union Health Ministry updating the database on the number of cases in the country since May 12.

At present, the dashboard shows 257 active COVID-19 cases across various states, with most of the coronavirus infections coming from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Authorities have urged calm, saying the COVID-19 situation in India is under control.

Authorities say Kerala logged 69 new infections over the past week, followed by Maharashtra with 44 and Tamil Nadu with 34.

Currently, there are 56 active cases in Maharashtra, along with the recent deaths of two people who were also suffering from underlying illnesses, while being tested for COVID-19. According to PTI, the deaths have not been officially classified as COVID-19 fatalities. According to a news report by NDTV, the rising cases are also a cause of concern in Mumbai as more than 1000 newly built primary health centres and sub-centres have been found to be non-functional due to inadequate staffing, lack of funds, and poor facilities.

Staff say there is a shortage of resources, and they are not adequately prepared. However, the city’s municipal body has urged citizens to remain calm, saying the situation is under control and hospitals are fully prepared.

Health authorities confirm they are closely monitoring the rise in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok, saying that the situation within the country remains firmly under control, news agency PTI reported.

A high-level review meeting was convened under the chairpersonship of the Director General of Health Services on Monday. The meeting brought together experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and various Central government hospitals to assess the current coronavirus scenario in the country. “The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health,” the PTI sources added.

COVID-19 is making a comeback in Asia, with a tremendous uptick in cases reported in many densely populated cities of Southeast Asia. Experts say the increase in cases is being attributed to waning immunity and emerging virus mutations, particularly the JN.1 strain and its sub-lineages.

Most of the cases found in the surge in various cities are spreading due to the Omicron variant JN.1 and its related descendants. Singapore saw 14,000+ cases in early May, along with a high number of deaths, with similar surges seen in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Experts say it is the JN.1 strain of - first found in August 2023—and designated by the World Health Organisation as a ‘variant of’ interest’—with around 30 mutations, which is causing the new wave.

Experts believe the latest situation is due to lowering and waning antibodies that can fight off the infection, and so, that can also happen in India.

A few celebrities have tested positive for COVID-19 as fears about its resurgence grow. Bollywood star Shilpa Shirodkar on Monday confirmed she has tested positive for the virus. In Hong Kong, several concerts have been cancelled and delayed as pop stars have tested positive.

According to experts, as of now, there is nothing that suggests that the new variant of COVID-19 is more transmissible or deadly. However, experts are asking to take adequate precautions to avoid the virus by wearing masks in public.