India is seeing a consistent increase in active COVID-19 cases and the outbreak of the JN.1 sub-variant of SARS-COV2 is becoming a cause of concern. The country saw a single-day rise of 752 cases of infection, taking the total number of active cases across the country to 3,420. As per Union Health Ministry data, four deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, two in Kerala and one each in Rajasthan and Karnataka. The worst affected states at the moment are Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Despite the fact that the national recovery rate is pegged at 98.81 percent, the speed at which the infection is transmitted is a matter of concern at multiple levels. What’s adding to that concern is the new sub-variant of Omicro strain, JN.1, twenty-two cases of which have been reported so far. In light of the increasing cases, the Centre has directed the states to send all the positive samples for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to identify the sub-variant and other mutations.
WHO has categorized JN.1 as a Variant of Interest, however, they have also stated that it doesn’t pose a big risk to public health and that current vaccines are capable enough to prevent any serious infection.
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Health Ministry Releases Advisory Amid Rising Concern
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a meeting on Wednesday where he emphasized the “Whole of Government” approach to deal with the current situation. As per him, it will only be possible when the center and states make combined efforts to deal with the current COVID situation in the country. Multiple advisories were released as a part of the meeting where it was made mandatory for all government hospitals to initiate mock drills every three months to analyze their preparedness for any possible emergency. Increased surveillance has been advised, especially in the case of patients with symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). In light of this meeting, states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala have stepped up and are actively striving towards complete preparedness in case the numbers spike again.
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Even though the symptoms of the new sub-variant JN.1 are mild, it is believed to be more contagious. So, it is recommended to follow Covid protocol, use masks, and maintain distance from people who are showing symptoms of respiratory issues.