Kerala has reported 182 new COVID-19 cases in May 2025, the highest among all Indian states this month. The majority of the cases are from Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Health Minister Veena George has alerted the public due to the spread of fast-moving Omicron sub-variants such as JN.1, LF.7, and NB 1.8, which currently cause only mild symptoms. As a precaution, the health department has advised symptomatic individuals, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with other health conditions to wear masks in public. Masks are now mandatory in hospitals for both staff and visitors. COVID testing is being intensified in hospitals, and local authorities have been instructed to prepare monsoon-season health safety plans. Sadly, two COVID-related deaths were also reported, involving people with pre-existing conditions.
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