New Delhi, Jan 8: Official sources stated on Monday that the number of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 cases recorded from 12 states until January 7 had increased to 682. Karnataka has recorded 199 incidents, Kerala has reported 148, Maharashtra has reported 139, Goa has reported 47, Gujarat has reported 36, Andhra Pradesh has reported 30, Rajasthan has reported 30, Tamil Nadu has reported 26, Delhi has reported 21, Odisha has reported 3, Telangana has reported 2, and Haryana has reported one. 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 minor sickness.Due to an increase in Covid cases and the discovery of the JN.1 sub-variant in the nation, the Centre has requested that the states and Union territories keep a continuous watch. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shared updated operational instructions for the COVID-19 surveillance plan, and states have been requested to guarantee effective compliance with them. 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 emerging 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” danger to global public health. The international body stated that the JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously categorised as a variation of interest (VOI) as a component of the parent lineage that is categorised as a VOI, the BA.2.86 sub-lineages.
