Covid scare again? Centre issues advisory to states after 5 deaths

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New Delhi: As India combats with the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the active caseload surged to 1,828, with 260 new cases recorded on Monday, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry. On Sunday, the nation recorded 335 new Covid-19 cases, with five reported deaths—four in Kerala and one in Uttar Pradesh.

Since the onset of Covid-19, the Health Ministry has reported a death toll of 5,33,317 till date, with a case fatality rate of 1.19%.

Detection of COVID Sub-Variant JN.1 in Kerala

A 79-year-old woman from Kerala recently tested positive for the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed, and recovered after experiencing moderate Influenza Like Illness (ILI). Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) identified the case during a routine surveillance.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that sub-variant JN.1 was detected months ago in Indian passengers screened at Singapore airport. The minister urged caution, particularly for those with comorbidities, while assuring that the situation is closely monitored.

Karnataka mask mandate

Following the detection COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala, the Karnataka government mandated that individuals aged 60 and above, with comorbidities, and experiencing symptoms like cough, phlegm, and fever must wear face masks.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao informed reporters that officials are instructed to conduct increased tests for those with symptoms and suspected cases.

Centre’s advisory to all states

The Union Health Secretary emphasised key COVID-19 control strategies to all states following the detection of sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala:

States must implement public health measures to minimise disease transmission.
Monitor and report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases district-wise on the IHIP portal.
Ensure adequate testing following COVID-19 guidelines with the recommended RT-PCR and Antigen test proportions.
Increase RT-PCR tests, send positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG laboratories for variant detection.
Engage public and private healthcare facilities in preparedness drills organised by the Union Health Ministry.