On Wednesday, Dr. VK Paul, a member of NITI Aayog focusing on health, revealed that 21 cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been identified nationwide. According to him, approximately 91 to 92 percent of those affected are choosing to undergo treatment at home.
Sources disclosed that 19 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant were found in Goa, while one case each was reported in Kerala and Maharashtra. In the last two weeks, there were 16 deaths linked to COVID-19, mostly among individuals with significant underlying health conditions.
Covid Cases in India
On Tuesday, India reported 614 new COVID-19 cases, marking the highest daily count since May 21. The latest data from the Union Health Ministry, updated on Wednesday, indicates an increase in active cases to 2,311.
VK Paul stated that the scientific community in India is actively studying the new variant. Stressing that there’s no cause for alarm, the NITI Aayog member highlighted the importance for states to enhance testing and reinforce their surveillance systems.
Also Read: New COVID Variant In Kerala, 280 New Cases Detected in 24 Hours
Health Minister Calls for Measures Amid Rising COVID Cases
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya conducted a thorough assessment of the current COVID-19 situation and the readiness of public health systems, especially with the increase in cases in certain regions of the country.
Mr. Mandaviya emphasized the need for vigilance and readiness to tackle new strains of the coronavirus. In a statement from the Health and Family Welfare Ministry today, he stressed the importance of seamless coordination between the Centre and the states for effective Covid management.
To enhance preparedness, the Health Minister proposed conducting mock drills every three months at both central and state levels, encouraging the sharing of best practices.
Highlighting that the battle against COVID-19 is ongoing, the minister urged states to stay vigilant and monitor emerging evidence of Covid cases, symptoms, and case severity. This monitoring is crucial for planning an effective public health response.
Health Ministry Report on Covid Cases
In a recent presentation addressing the worldwide and local COVID-19 scenario, Health Ministry secretary Sudhansh Pant highlighted that the number of cases in India remains notably lower than the global average. However, concerning the recent two-week period, there has been a sharp increase in active cases, soaring from 115 on December 6 to 614 today.
In the presented data, 92.8% of COVID cases are managed at home, indicating mild symptoms with no significant increase in hospital admissions, as mentioned by Mr. Pant in his presentation. Hospitalized cases are generally linked to other health issues, where COVID is an incidental discovery.
Mr. Pant also noted a surge in the daily positivity rate in Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. Positivity rate is calculated as the number of confirmed cases per 100 tests.
Regarding the JN.1 variant, Mr. Pant highlighted that it’s currently under thorough scientific examination, but there’s no immediate cause for concern. Fortunately, no noticeable clustering of cases related to the JN.1 variant has been reported in India. Moreover, all identified cases were mild, and patients recovered without complications.
JN.1 Covid Variant in India
In the presented data, 92.8% of COVID cases are managed at home, indicating mild symptoms with no significant increase in hospital admissions, as mentioned by Mr. Pant in his presentation.
Hospitalized cases are generally linked to other health issues, where COVID is an incidental discovery. Mr. Pant also noted a surge in the daily positivity rate in Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. Positivity rate is calculated as the number of confirmed cases per 100 tests.
Regarding the JN.1 variant, Mr. Pant highlighted that it’s currently under thorough scientific examination, but there’s no immediate cause for concern. Fortunately, no noticeable clustering of cases related to the JN.1 variant has been reported in India. Moreover, all identified cases were mild, and patients recovered without complications.
Covid Cases in India FAQs
Q.1. What is the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19?
Ans. JN.1 is a sub-variant of COVID-19 that has been identified in India. Currently, it is under scientific scrutiny, but there is no immediate cause for concern.
Q.2. How many cases of the JN.1 variant have been reported in India?
Ans. As of the latest information, 21 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant have been identified nationwide. Most cases have opted for home treatment.
Q.3. What regions in India have reported cases of the JN.1 variant?
Ans. The majority of JN.1 cases (19) have been found in Goa, with one case each reported in Kerala and Maharashtra.
Q.4. Are there increased COVID-19 cases in specific regions of India?
Ans. Yes, there has been a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, especially in Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, as highlighted by Mr. Sudhansh Pant, the Health Ministry Secretary.
Q.5. What measures are being taken to address the rise in COVID cases?
Ans. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasized the need for vigilance, readiness for new strains, and seamless coordination between the Centre and states. Mock drills are proposed every three months to enhance preparedness.
