Manipur has reported a sudden and sharp rise in COVID-19 cases over the past week, triggering concern among health authorities and public health experts. After months of reporting minimal daily infections, the state is now witnessing a significant surge in new cases and a steep increase in the test positivity rate, suggesting active community transmission.

According to the Health Department, since June 1, a total of 554 samples have been tested, out of which 171 have returned positive. As of June 24, the number of active cases stands at 137. On the same day alone, 13 new infections were recorded — six from Imphal West and seven from Imphal East — while 14 patients recovered and were discharged. Of the active cases, 124 are under home isolation, with 14 already having recovered through home-based care.

Though no new COVID-related fatalities have been reported and hospitalizations remain low, officials said the situation demands vigilance. In some districts, the test positivity rate has exceeded 14 percent. The Union Ministry of Health has instructed the state to ramp up testing, hospital readiness, oxygen availability, medicine stocks, and isolation beds. Genomic surveillance is also being strengthened to monitor for emerging variants, with the currently dominant strain being a sub-lineage of Omicron.

Health experts attribute the spike to multiple factors, including reduced adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior, a drop in booster dose uptake, and increased transmissibility of newer variants. The monsoon season has compounded the issue, as more people remain indoors, enhancing the risk of transmission.

Public health specialists are calling for renewed community cooperation. They urge the public to wear masks in crowded areas, get booster vaccinations — particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised — and avoid gatherings if experiencing flu-like symptoms.

While the current trend does not indicate a severe outbreak, experts warn that the speed of transmission could lead to a broader surge, potentially straining healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and hill districts. The state government is expected to announce further guidelines depending on how the situation evolves.

In a public appeal, the Government of Manipur urged residents to stay calm and adhere to COVID-appropriate behavior, calling the recent measures precautionary steps aimed at safeguarding public health. The resurgence serves as a reminder that the threat of COVID-19, though less prominent now, still demands sustained vigilance.