COVID-19 appears to be making a subtle comeback, with a steady rise in infections reported across major Asian cities including Hong Kong and Singapore. India, too, is witnessing a mild resurgence. Since May 12, the country has recorded 164 new cases, taking the total number of active infections to 257. The highest counts have been reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
In the past week, Kerala registered 69 new cases, Maharashtra added 44, and Tamil Nadu reported 34 infections. Maharashtra also recorded two deaths. However, doctors clarified that while the patients had tested positive for COVID-19, their deaths were caused by pre-existing medical conditions and not the virus itself.
COVID-19 in Maharashtra: Active Cases and Controversy Around Deaths
Maharashtra currently has 56 active COVID-19 cases. Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital recently reported the deaths of a 59-year-old cancer patient and a 14-year-old girl with kidney disease — both of whom had tested positive for COVID-19. Doctors confirmed that their underlying conditions were the actual cause of death.
The matter has sparked debate after it was revealed that COVID-19 was not mentioned on their death certificates. Adding to the controversy, the hospital did not release the body of the woman to her family. Instead, she was cremated at the Bhoiwada crematorium with only two family members in attendance, reportedly in accordance with health safety protocols, according to former corporator Anil Kokil.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) later issued a statement clarifying that both individuals were brought to Mumbai from Sindhudurg and Dombivli for treatment, and their deaths were attributed to serious health conditions unrelated to COVID-19.
Strain on Mumbai’s Public Health Infrastructure
As the number of cases rises, concerns are also mounting over the state of Mumbai’s public healthcare system. Approximately 200 primary health centres (PHCs) and sub-centres across the city are currently non-functional, primarily due to staffing shortages, lack of funding, and inadequate facilities.
Neha Kadam, a community health volunteer at Kasturba Prathmik Kendra, highlighted the difficulties faced by frontline workers. “Each health worker is responsible for around 1,200 households. We don’t even have chairs to sit on. We go door to door, but the infrastructure is crumbling. With infections rising, we need better resources,” she told.
Despite the challenges, the BMC has assured residents that the situation is under control and hospitals are equipped to handle a potential surge. From January to April 2025, Mumbai reported only sporadic cases. While infections have increased slightly in May, authorities maintain there is no sign of a major outbreak or cluster.
Asia on Alert: Rising Cases in Hong Kong and Singapore
Outside India, countries like Hong Kong and Singapore are also reporting a noticeable increase in COVID-19 activity. In Hong Kong, health officials have labeled the current situation as “quite high,” according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection.
As Asia braces for a possible new wave, health officials are urging continued vigilance while reiterating that the current situation does not warrant panic.
