NEW DELHI: Official sources reported on Wednesday that 40 additional cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 were reported, bringing the total number of cases of the new variant nationwide up to 109 as of December 26. According to them, 36 cases were found in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in each of Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. They said that the majority of the patients are presently isolated at home. Dr. V K Paul, a member of NITI Aayog’s Health Committee, stated last week that while the new variant was being thoroughly examined, states needed to step up testing and fortify their surveillance frameworks. Despite the fact that the number of cases is increasing and the JN.1 sub-variant has been found in the nation, officials have stated that there is no need for immediate concern because 92% of infected individuals choose to receive treatment at home, indicating a mild illness. Additionally, hospitalisation rates have not increased, and COVID-19 was discovered by accident in patients who were admitted for other medical reasons, according to their statement. In a letter sent to states and Union territories last week, Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant emphasised the importance of COVID-19 control and management strategies in light of the current holiday season and demanded that necessary public health measures be implemented. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shared updated operational guidelines for the COVID-19 surveillance strategy, and states have been urged to ensure effective compliance. They have requested that all medical facilities routinely track and report district-level cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) in order to identify any rising trends in cases as soon as possible. India saw a daily increase of 529 COVID-19 cases, with 4,093 cases of the virus still active, according to the health ministry’s report on Wednesday. The ministry’s data updated at 8 am shows that three new fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours, two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat.
