India had 1,010 active COVID-19 cases on May 26, the first time in almost three years that active cases had surpassed 1,000. The recent increase has generated fear about the spread of the virus, with cases cropping up in states that previously reported zero cases. Punjab, for example, confirmed its first case of the ongoing wave on May 26.
Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi Account for Bulk of Cases of Covid
Three large states—Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi—cover almost 74 percent of India’s active COVID-19 cases. Kerala heads the list with more than 40 percent of all infections across the country. Maharashtra has 210 active cases, while Delhi has reported 104.
India has seen six Covid fatalities since May 19—three in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka.
Vaccination Gaps Persist Across Age Groups
Despite India’s extensive vaccination coverage, gaps in precautionary dose coverage are still large. An MC analysis shows that just 25 percent of eligible adults have taken the precautionary or booster dose. The data also shows that second-dose coverage is not complete, with just 93 percent of first-dose recipients completing their second dose.
Younger populations also have lower rates of vaccination. Just 78.8 percent of the 12–14 age group has received their second dose, less than the 86.6 percent rate for the 15–18 population and 93.9 percent for adults 18 and older.
Northeastern States Have Low Booster Coverage on Covid
Five states still have precautionary dose coverage under 10 percent, which is serious vulnerabilities in the event of future outbreaks. Among them, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Punjab have fewer than 9 percent of their eligible population boosted.
The case rise, with sluggish booster uptake, highlights the need for fresh awareness and booster vaccination drives to avert another outbreak at large scale.
