New Delhi – India has recorded a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, with 33 new infections reported in the past 24 hours, raising the country’s total number of active cases to 7,154.
Kerala, however, has shown a decline in active cases compared to Wednesday, with 2,165 cases currently reported. Gujarat follows with 1,281 cases, Maharashtra with 615, West Bengal with 747, Karnataka with 467, and Tamil Nadu with 231.
Meanwhile, three COVID-related deaths were reported within 24 hours — two in Maharashtra and one in Madhya Pradesh. All deceased were elderly individuals suffering from chronic respiratory and other underlying health issues.
Subvariants of the Omicron strain — such as JN.1, LF.7, XFG, and the newly identified NB.1.8.1 — are currently prevalent across South Asian countries. Though these subvariants are not considered highly severe, they are known for higher transmission rates.
