Alarming Rise in COVID Cases in Singapore, Hong Kong: Centre monitors situation closely, infections under control in India, say official sources

Rising COVID-19 Cases in Singapore and Hong Kong: The central government is keeping a close tab on the COVID situation in the country amid reports suggesting an increase in infections in Singapore and Hong Kong over the past few weeks, according to official sources in the Health Ministry. Preliminary information suggests that the cases in India are mostly mild and not associated with unusual severity or mortality, the sources told Zee Business. 

The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health, they said. 

Centre convenes high-level review meeting

In light of these developments, a review meeting of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division of the Disaster Management Cell, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals was convened on Monday, according to the source.

The meeting took place under the chairpersonship of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), they said.  

India's COVID-19 situation remains under control

The meeting concluded that the current COVID-19 situation in India remains under control, said the Union Health Ministry sources.

As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257, official data showed.

That marked a very low figure considering the country’s large population, according to sources. 

Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required, they said.

A robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR.