Covid-19 Cases In India: 164 Cases Reported In A Week, Kerala And Maharashtra Top The Chart

Southern States See Spike In Numbers

Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as the top contributors to the weekly case tally. Kerala reported the highest number, adding 69 new infections in the past seven days. Maharashtra followed with 44 cases, while Tamil Nadu recorded 34. Although these figures are not alarming on their own, health officials are not dismissing them either, given the cyclical nature of the virus and global patterns showing renewed surges, especially in parts of Asia like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Maharashtra: COVID-19 Deaths Or Co-Morbidities?

In Maharashtra, two recent deaths raised questions about COVID-19’s ongoing risks. Both patients— a 59-year-old woman battling cancer and a 14-year-old girl with a kidney ailment— were admitted to Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital and later died. Though both tested positive for COVID-19, hospital authorities attributed their deaths to underlying medical conditions rather than the virus itself.

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This classification has sparked debate. Former corporator Anil Kokil claimed that the deceased woman’s body was not handed over to her family but was instead cremated under COVID-19 protocols. “Only two family members were allowed at the cremation, as per protocol,” he said, raising concerns about transparency and consistency in documenting COVID-linked deaths.

In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated that the two patients had been transferred to the city from Sindhudurg and Dombivli for treatment of serious co-morbidities. “They did not die due to COVID-19 but were COVID-positive,” said a BMC spokesperson, reinforcing the importance of distinguishing between deaths from the virus and deaths with the virus.

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Infrastructure Concerns Amid Case Rise

The latest spike in cases has exposed underlying issues in Mumbai’s healthcare infrastructure. Reports indicate that close to 200 primary health centres and sub-centres are either non-operational or functioning with bare minimum resources. Staffing shortages, insufficient funding, and lack of essential facilities have left healthcare workers stretched thin.

Neha Kadam, a community health volunteer at Kasturba Prathmik Kendra, painted a grim picture. “Each health worker is tasked with monitoring over 1,200 households. We don’t even have basic amenities like chairs or proper diagnostic equipment. As cases begin to rise, we need urgent attention to these systemic issues,” she said.

No Cause For Panic, Say Authorities

Despite growing concerns, the BMC has urged residents not to panic. The municipal body maintains that the situation is well under control, and no significant clusters or outbreaks have been detected so far. “From January to April 2025, Mumbai reported very few COVID-19 cases. The ones detected in May are scattered and manageable. Hospitals are well-equipped to handle the current caseload,” said a BMC official.

Authorities have also asked the public to remain cautious, practice good hygiene, and adhere to standard health protocols, especially in high-density areas. The recent developments serve as a reminder that while India has weathered the worst of the pandemic, the virus remains a public health threat requiring continued surveillance and preparedness.

Bottomline

India’s weekly tally of 164 new COVID-19 cases is not a cause for alarm yet, but it’s certainly a signal to stay alert. With Kerala and Maharashtra showing the highest numbers, and some healthcare systems under strain, proactive measures and early interventions could prove crucial in preventing a larger resurgence.