New Delhi: India witnessed a spike of 702 new COVID-19 cases in a single day, bringing the total number of active cases to 4,097, as per the latest update from the Health Ministry on Thursday. The data, updated at 8 am, also revealed six new fatalities in the last 24 hours, with two deaths in Maharashtra and one each in Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, and Delhi.
The country had reported 752 new cases on December 22. Despite a drop in daily cases to double digits by December 5, a resurgence has occurred due to the emergence of the new variant and cold weather conditions.
Health Ministry sources indicate that Gujarat has reported the highest number of JN.1 COVID variant cases, with 109 cases. Other affected states include Karnataka (34 cases), Goa (14), Maharashtra (9), Kerala (6), Rajasthan (4), Tamil Nadu (4), and Telangana (2).
Delhi confirmed its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1. AIIMS Delhi has issued guidelines, allocating beds and resources for COVID-19 patients. Two additional cases of the JN.1 sub-variant were identified in Gurugram, prompting the District Magistrate to instruct hospitals to establish isolation wards and dedicated sections within ICUs.
The health department in Himachal Pradesh issued an advisory urging testing for patients with COVID-like symptoms. Individuals experiencing cold, fever, or cough are advised to undergo a COVID test promptly. Karnataka government has implemented measures, including seven days of home isolation for infected patients and precautionary vaccination for the elderly and those with comorbidities.
The central government issued an advisory to state governments, stressing the need for adequate health arrangements during the upcoming festive season. The advisory urged the maintenance of respiratory hygiene and directed states to monitor respiratory diseases district-wise.
