Karnataka sees a surge in COVID-19 with 87 new cases, pushing active infections over 300. Authorities on alert, mask advisories likely to return.
Article Body
COVID-19 Cases Surge Again in Karnataka: 87 New Infections Push Active Tally Past 300
Bengaluru | June 4, 2025 — By Raksha| Special Health Bulletin
Just as Karnataka was beginning to ease into a post-pandemic rhythm, a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases has once again sounded the alarm. The state reported 87 new infections in the past 24 hours, pushing the total number of active cases past the 300-mark for the first time in over six months.
The figures, confirmed by the State Health and Family Welfare Department late Tuesday evening, have prompted health authorities to reissue public health advisories, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised.
Where Are the Cases Coming From?
According to official sources, the recent uptick is concentrated in urban hubs like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Dakshina Kannada.
Bengaluru Urban: 41 new cases
Mysuru: 17 new cases
Dakshina Kannada: 9 new cases
Remaining 20: Spread across six districts including Udupi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Kalaburagi
The state conducted 504 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours — a number that health experts say is too low to provide a reliable picture of the spread, urging the government to ramp up testing, especially in high-transit areas.
Karnataka Reports 87 New COVID-19 Cases, Active Count Crosses 300
Hospital Load & Recovery Status
While no fatalities have been reported in the current surge, 29 patients were discharged, and six remain under oxygen-supported care. All patients are being treated in designated COVID wards in government and private hospitals.
Dr. Raghavendra Shetty, a senior physician at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, remarked:
“We are not in panic mode, but we’re watching for community spread. The strain currently in circulation appears to be a mild Omicron sub-variant, but reinfection rates and symptoms like prolonged fatigue are notable.”
Centre and State on High Alert
The Union Health Ministry has directed all states to maintain “functional surveillance infrastructure” and to prepare isolation beds and ICU backup in Tier-1 hospitals.
In Karnataka, Chief Secretary Rajneesh Goel held a late-night meeting with the health commissioner, instructing district authorities to:
Resume random testing at airports and railway stations
Stock essential antiviral drugs and oxygen supplies
Activate local BBMP war rooms in Bengaluru for real-time response
Meanwhile, school and college managements have been advised to keep a close watch on absenteeism and symptoms among students, though no closures have been announced.
Mask Mandate: Will It Return?
Though there is no statewide mandate as of now, mask-wearing has been strongly recommended in crowded spaces and public transport.
The Health Department is expected to reintroduce mask enforcement in hospitals, clinics, and government offices by the end of this week.
“We don’t want to alarm people,” said Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. “But we must be cautious. COVID is not gone — it’s evolving. Prevention is still our strongest weapon.”
Quick Snapshot (June 3, 2025)
Metric
Value
New Cases in 24 Hours
87
Active Cases (State Total)
308
Tests Conducted
504
Patients Discharged
29
Patients Under Oxygen Support
6
Deaths
0
Public Advisory: What Should You Do Now?
Health authorities recommend the following steps for residents:
Wear masks in public indoor settings.
Avoid large gatherings, especially if symptomatic.
Get tested immediately if experiencing fever, cough, or fatigue.
Keep vaccination certificates handy for travel.
Isolate at home and inform a health center if testing positive.
Booster shots for vulnerable populations (above 60 years and those with comorbidities) are also being made available through PHCs and private clinics.
Global Context: A Broader Trend?
Karnataka’s spike mirrors a global trend of scattered surges, particularly in Europe and parts of Southeast Asia. While no new global variant of concern has been announced by the WHO, health agencies are closely monitoring the situation amid growing travel during summer.
Experts warn that complacency remains a major risk — especially in regions like India, where the psychological fatigue from three COVID waves is causing many to dismiss early symptoms.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed
While Karnataka’s current surge is not cause for panic, it is a critical reminder that COVID-19 hasn’t been eradicated — it has merely receded into the background.
With swift action from the government and responsible behavior from citizens, health officials are optimistic that this wave can be contained without resorting to lockdowns or school closures.
The next few days will be crucial — not just for Karnataka, but as a benchmark for how India handles post-peak viral flare-ups in a “new normal” world.
