The country on Friday reported 640 fresh covid infections and active cases have marginally increased to 2997 amid surge in Covid-19 infections. A Noida resident has also tested positive for Covid, the first case of the infection in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar after several months, officials said, quoted news agency PTI. The 54-year-old man lives in Noida but works at a multinational company in Gurugram, Gautam Buddh Nagar Chief Medical Officer Dr Sunil Sharma said on Thursday, quoted PTI.


"His test sample has been sent to Delhi for genome sequencing. The result is awaited," Sharma said. 


Meanwhile, states are on alert since the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected which is said to be more transmissible, but less lethal as of now. The Centre has, however, advised people with comorbidity to remain vigilant.


After the case was detected, District Surveillance Officer and public healthcare expert Dr Amit Kumar said the patient travelled to Nepal earlier this month and also went to work at his Gurugram office after returning. "The patient is asymptomatic and went for the COVID-19 test on his own," Kumar added. He said this is the only confirmed case in Gautam Buddh Nagar so far.


CMO Sharma said testing for the virus had come down in the district and people can get themselves tested for Covid at primary and community health centres here and the district hospital. The healthcare department has asked the residents to follow Covid-appropriate measures amid concerns over the infection spreading once again.


The country's COVID-19 tally is now at 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212) and the death toll has increased to 5,33,328 with one more fatality reported from Kerala, the health ministry data updated at 8 am stated


The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,44,70,887. The national recovery rate stands at 98.81 per cent, according to the health ministry's website.


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