Active COVID Cases Rise in India, Karnataka and Gujarat Worst Hit
India has reported a fresh spike in active COVID-19 cases, with the national tally crossing 6,800. The sudden rise, observed in early June, has put health authorities on alert, with Karnataka and Gujarat emerging as the worst-affected states. Health officials are attributing the spike to increased transmission of a new variant, XFG, and are urging the public to maintain preventive measures and seek timely testing.
Karnataka Records Steep Positivity Spike
Karnataka has registered a notable surge in cases. On June 9 alone, the state added 265 new infections, taking the active case count beyond 550. The daily positivity rate has risen sharply to over 40%. Two recent deaths have pushed the state’s COVID toll this year to 11. While most cases continue to be managed through home isolation, the state health department is closely monitoring hospital admissions to avoid capacity strain.
Gujarat Sees Sharp Climb in Active Cases
Gujarat, too, has witnessed a steep increase, reporting 223 new cases within a 24-hour window ending June 10. The state’s active cases now stand at over 1,200, with Ahmedabad accounting for more than 760 of those, particularly in the city’s western residential zones. One COVID-related death was reported in Rajkot, adding to the state’s mounting caseload. Gujarat now ranks among the top three states in terms of active COVID-19 burden, after Kerala and Karnataka.
New Variant Detected; Testing Urged
The latest wave is being linked to the emergence of a new variant, XFG—an Omicron sub-lineage first detected in Canada. So far, India has recorded 163 confirmed XFG cases spread across several states. Although the variant is reported to be highly transmissible, its symptoms remain relatively mild and similar to the flu, including cough, fever, fatigue, and sore throat.
Health authorities are ramping up rapid antigen and RT-PCR testing across high-risk zones. Citizens exhibiting symptoms are being encouraged to test immediately and isolate if necessary. The advisory also stresses consistent use of masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, and re-emphasizes hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and coughing into one’s elbow.
Public Health Measures in Focus
While ICU admissions remain low in Karnataka, medical authorities are not taking any chances. Gujarat has begun precautionary reviews of hospital preparedness, especially in urban clusters like Ahmedabad. Both state and central authorities are working to ensure adequate testing kits, isolation infrastructure, and public communication to minimize panic while addressing the growing wave.
Vaccination drives are ongoing, though no new booster schedules have been announced. Authorities are reviewing vaccination data to determine whether existing immunity levels are sufficient to contain the current outbreak.
With cases rising steadily in key states, public cooperation in adhering to safety norms will be crucial in limiting the spread. While the situation is being closely monitored, the return to preventive basics—masks, testing, and hygiene—remains India’s best line of defense.
