India’s Active COVID-19 Cases Reach 2,669 Amid Rising JN.1 Variant Infections; States Ramp Up Alertness
India has recently experienced a rise in COVID-19 infections, with 358 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry’s data. This increase is primarily attributed to the spread of the Covid sub-variant JN.1, initially identified in Kerala.
The latest update, as of 8 am, shows a total death toll of 5,33,327, including three fatalities from Kerala in the past day. The majority of the new cases have been reported from states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
The total number of recoveries has reached 4,44,70,576, with the national recovery rate standing at 98.81%, according to the health ministry.
In response to the spike in cases and fatalities, the Union Health Ministry convened a meeting led by Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The discussion focused on the need for vigilance and preparedness against emerging Covid-19 strains. Mandaviya emphasized collaborative efforts between central and state governments for effective virus management, suggesting quarterly mock drills and the sharing of best practices.
States are advised to closely monitor Covid-19 trends, including symptoms and case severity, to tailor their public health responses.
Regarding the JN.1 variant, India has confirmed 21 cases nationwide. NITI Aayog’s health member Dr. V K Paul reassured that there is no cause for alarm, noting that current treatments remain effective against this mild infection. He stressed the importance of enhanced testing and surveillance by states, pointing out that about 91 to 92% of infected individuals are choosing home-based care.
As part of the preventive measures, several states are ramping up readiness to tackle any potential outbreak. The West Bengal Health Department is continuing its surveillance of influenza-like and severe acute respiratory infections, aligning with central guidelines. Gujarat’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel urged the public to stay alert but not to panic, mentioning that the state has 13 active Covid cases.
