On March 21, 2020, the world came to a stop. A new virus called COVID-19, first found in China in October 2019, quickly spread everywhere. It changed our lives completely. We had lockdowns, people started working and studying from home, and online shopping became very popular. The beginning of the pandemic was a time of fear and not knowing what would happen.

As time went on, in what we called "Phase One" and "Phase Two," the virus was very severe. Many people, even young ones, got very sick or died. We urgently needed a medical solution. "Phase Three" brought hope with vaccines. Even though vaccines didn't stop everyone from getting sick, they made the illness much less severe and saved many lives. Because of vaccines, things slowly started to feel normal again. Shops reopened, and people could meet more easily.

Now, almost four years after the world shut down, COVID-19 is back on the rise. We are seeing more cases in different places. We need to stay careful and take steps to protect ourselves.

More Cases are Being Reported

Recent numbers show a growing worry, especially in busy cities. For example, in Kolkata, seven new COVID-19 cases were reported in just one week. Six of these patients are in the hospital near the Bypass and are getting treatment. Even though it's a small number, it shows the virus is still here.

Maharashtra, a state that had many cases before, is also seeing an increase. On Sunday, 43 new COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing the total active cases to 209. This increase means we need to watch the situation closely and take action to keep people healthy.

Sadly, in Karnataka, an 89-year-old man died from COVID-19. Death in COVID-19 cases may arise. In Bengaluru, 32 new cases were found. Health officials confirmed the infection after tests were done on Saturday. This sad event reminds us that even if the virus is generally less severe now, older people and those with other health problems are still at risk.

Across India, the government reported 1,009 active COVID-19 cases as of May 26, 2025. This is a big jump from 257 cases just a week before. States like Kerala (430 active cases), Maharashtra (209 active cases), Delhi (104 active cases), and Karnataka (14 active cases) have the most cases. Most people who test positive only have mild symptoms, and there haven't been many serious problems reported. But the steady increase in over 20 states means we need to pay more attention to public health.

The government says there's no need to panic, but to control the situation, we have to be alert.. Officials are taking all necessary steps and working with the central government to handle the situation. However, the rising numbers mean that each person needs to take responsibility for their own health.

Virus and Its Symptoms

The virus keeps changing, and new versions appear. As of May 2025, two types of the Omicron virus, called NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, have been found in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) is watching these types carefully. Even though these types are causing more cases in other parts of Asia, experts in India say they don't seem to spread faster or cause more serious illness than earlier versions. Most patients have only mild symptoms.

Interestingly, the way COVID-19 shows up in people has changed for many. Old symptoms like losing your sense of taste or smell are less common now. Instead, people are reporting milder signs that often feel like a common cold or allergies. These can include a slight fever, a mild sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, a little cough, headache, tiredness, and body aches. It's important to note that more people who test positive for COVID-19 are also having stomach problems like diarrhea, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), throwing up, and stomach pain. This shows that COVID-19 can affect you in different ways, not just as a breathing illness.

What Precautions to Take

The first round of vaccinations was very important in making the pandemic less severe. Even if the protection from those vaccines has reduced over time against newer versions of the virus, they still offer important help. People who have been vaccinated generally get less sick, even if they catch the virus. This shows that getting vaccinated still helps a lot. Extra shots (booster doses) are still suggested, especially for older people and those with weak immune systems, to give more protection.

Because cases are rising again, health officials and the government are saying we must go back to the basic ways of preventing the spread. These old rules are more important than ever.

• Wear a mask: Especially in crowded places, on buses or trains, and when traveling. Masks help stop tiny drops from spreading in the air. Pregnant women and new mothers should especially wear masks in crowded areas to protect themselves and their babies.
• Keep your distance: Even though strict social distancing rules are not as strong now, try to keep a safe distance from others, especially in busy places. This can lower your chance of getting sick.
• Wash your hands often: Washing your hands well with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with alcohol is one of the best ways to stop germs from spreading.
• Keep things clean: Keeping your home and surroundings neat and clean helps create a healthier environment and reduces the chance of the virus spreading.
• Watch for symptoms: If you feel any symptoms, even mild ones, it's important to stay home, check your temperature and oxygen levels, and call a doctor if your symptoms don't go away or get worse. Getting tested early is also key to confirming if you have the virus and stopping it from spreading more.

Don't Panic, Take Action!

Hearing about more cases, even if they're mild, can make people feel worried and scared. Health officials have noticed that this increased worry can sometimes lead to other health problems, like heart attacks. This shows how much the pandemic still affects our minds. It's very important to remember that panicking won't solve anything. Instead, we should take smart actions and follow the rules.

The presence of the Omicron virus and its types like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, even if they are less severe, keeps people on edge. Even if there are no new official COVID rules in India, it's wise to keep following the old precautions from before. This means focusing on cleanliness, avoiding very crowded places, and paying attention to your health.

We don't know for sure what will happen with COVID-19 in the future, and cases might keep going up. To lower this risk, everyone, both as individuals and as a community, needs to take action. Staying informed from trusted sources, practicing good hygiene, following the suggested precautions, and seeing a doctor when needed are all very important steps.

The world has learned a lot in the last four years, but the current rise in COVID-19 cases reminds us that our fight against this stubborn virus is not over. Staying watchful, being responsible, and working together are key to keeping everyone healthy and safe as we deal with this changing challenge.

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