Actress Nikita Dutta, known for her roles in Kabir Singh and Jewel Thief, has tested positive for COVID-19 along with her mother. The actress took to social media to share the news with fans, posting a light-hearted yet cautionary update. "Covid has come to say hello to my mum and me. Hoping this uninvited guest doesn't stay long. See you after this short quarantine. Stay safe everyone," she captioned her post.

Currently under home quarantine, Dutta is reportedly experiencing mild symptoms and has postponed all professional engagements until further notice. The news comes shortly after actress Shilpa Shirodkar also confirmed a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, highlighting a concerning uptick in cases across the entertainment industry.

Health authorities have reported a gradual rise in COVID-19 cases across Asia, with spikes notably in Hong Kong and Singapore. According to Hong Kong’s Center for Health Protection, the virus remains actively circulating. India has recorded 257 active cases, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu reporting the highest numbers. Maharashtra alone has seen a significant rise, jumping from 12 to 56 active cases within a week.

The JN.1 variant and its related sublineages, belonging to the Omicron family, are suspected to be the primary cause of the recent surge. Experts continue to advise public caution, particularly in crowded or enclosed spaces.

As the world continues to adjust to post-pandemic normalcy, Dutta’s case serves as a reminder that the virus remains a public health concern. Fans and followers have wished her a speedy recovery and urged others to stay vigilant and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.