States have been directed to monitor emerging evidence of Covid-19 cases, symptoms and case severity to plan appropriate public health response.
JN.1 COVID VARIANT CASES
India has so far reported 21 cases of the new coronavirus variant JN.1 from across the country, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said on Wednesday, but asserted that there was no need to panic.
Available treatments are effective, the infection is mild and all viruses mutate, experts said.
He said that the scientific community in India was closely investigating the new variant as he emphasised the need for states to ramp up testing and strengthen their surveillance systems.
Paul highlighted that about 91 to 92 per cent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment.
Several states are taking proactive measures to ensure full preparedness to handle any potential scenarios amid concern over the spread of the new Covid variant.
India on Thursday saw an uptick in Covid-19 cases, with 358 fresh infections recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the data by the Union Health Ministry. The surge in cases comes amid a rise in Covid sub-variant JN.1, which was first detected in Kerala.
The death toll was recorded at 5,33,327 with three deaths reported from Kerala in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed
HEALTH MINISTRY CHAIRS MEET
The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday held a meeting to review the sudden increase in Covid-19 cases and deaths in several parts of the country. The meeting was chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who said it was important to remain alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of Covid-19.
He called for the need for joint efforts between the Centre and states to ensure efficient management of the virus. "Let us undertake mock drills once every three months at both Central and State levels and share best practices," he said
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