New Delhi, Jan 5: Official sources stated on Friday that the number of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 cases reported from 12 states through January 4 had increased to 619. Karnataka has reported 199 cases, Kerala has reported 148, Maharashtra has reported 110, Goa has reported 47, Gujarat has reported 36, Andhra Pradesh has reported 30, Tamil Nadu has reported 26, Delhi has reported 15, Rajasthan has reported 2, Telangana has reported 2, and Odisha and Haryana have reported one each. Despite the fact that the number of cases is increasing and the JN.1 sub-variant has been found nationwide, authorities stated that there is no need for immediate concern because the majority of infected individuals are choosing home-based treatment, which suggests a mild illness.In response to an increase in Covid cases and the discovery of the JN.1 sub-variant in the nation, the Centre has already requested that states and Union territories keep a continuous watch. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shared updated operational guidelines for the COVID-19 surveillance strategy, and states have been instructed to ensure their effective compliance. They have requested that all medical facilities routinely track and report cases of severe acute respiratory illnesses and influenza-like illnesses at the district level in order to identify any rising trends in cases early on. Despite its fast spreading nature, the WHO has designated JN.1 as a distinct “variant of interest” and stated that it presents a “low” risk to global public health.The world body stated that the JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously categorised as a variant of interest (VOI) as a component of the parent lineage that is categorised as a VOI, the BA.2.86 sub-lineages.
