17th June 2025: As India witnesses a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases with active cases crossing the 7000 mark, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India’s no.1 local search engine Justdial has recorded big spikes in COVID-related searches across the country. The data reveals a dramatic shift in public behaviour as citizens actively seek testing facilities, insurance coverage, and vaccination centres in response to the growing health concerns.
The nationwide search trends from Justdial’s platform show an alarming 153% overall spike in COVID-related searches when comparing May 2025 to April 2025. The Indian population’s heightened awareness and precautionary measures in response to the virus’s resurgence reflect this surge. The pan-India data reveals that government testing centres have become eight times more searched than in April, matching the surge seen in private testing centre searches. Insurance-related queries have grown by 77% nationwide, indicating widespread concern about potential medical expenses, while Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) vaccination centres searches have become threefold, showing renewed interest in vaccination as a preventive measure.
The search patterns indicate that people are not just seeking information but are actively preparing for potential health challenges by exploring their options for testing and insurance coverage. Delhi emerges as the epicentre of search activity with a staggering 140% overall spike in COVID-related queries. The capital’s residents have shown particular urgency in seeking government testing centres, with searches increasing to an extraordinary 16 times compared to April levels. Private testing centres in Delhi have also witnessed a tenfold increase in searches, while insurance-related queries have jumped by 30%.
Kerala presents perhaps the most striking pattern, with overall COVID-related searches becoming three times the April levels. The state shows remarkable activity in insurance searches with an 84% spike, the highest among all regions, while private testing centre searches have become 18 times the previous month.
Mumbai follows with a 94% overall search spike, though the financial capital’s residents appear more focused on insurance coverage with a 26% increase in related searches. Tamil Nadu records a 72% overall search spike with notable increases in both insurance searches at 30% and private testing centre queries that have grown five times from April levels. These varied regional responses demonstrate how different parts of India are adapting their preparedness strategies based on local conditions and past experiences with health emergencies.
These search trends paint a clear picture of a nation responding to emerging health threats with increased vigilance and preparation. As COVID-related searches continue to climb across all major Indian cities and states, it becomes evident that the population is taking the rising case numbers seriously and preparing accordingly. This proactive approach by citizens, as reflected in their search behaviour, could play a crucial role in managing the potential spread of the virus and ensuring better health outcomes for communities across India.
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