Covid Highlights — 22 JN.1 Variant Cases Reported In India Till December 21: Report
Amid a rise in Covid-19 cases in various regions, the central government has directed states to intensify surveillance. Stay updated with the latest developments on Covid cases here.
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Covid Highlights: As Covid-19 cases rise both nationally and globally, keep abreast of all the latest developments and updates right here with ABP Live.
The resurgence of Covid-19 cases has raised alarms nationwide, with daily infections reaching their highest point in seven months. On December 20, the health ministry reported 614 new cases within a span of 24 hours. This figure marks a notable increase from the 115 cases reported on December 6 and stands as the highest since May 21.
This rise has shifted attention towards the JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19, stemming from the Omicron lineage, which was previously identified as a significant contributor to the surge in infections towards the end of 2021.
Dr V K Paul, a member of NITI Aayog focusing on health, highlighted the nation's interest in the JN.1 variant. To date, India has attributed 21 coronavirus cases to this variant, with 19 identified in Kerala and one each in Maharashtra and Goa.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, after evaluating the nation's Covid-19 situation on December 20, stressed the importance of vigilance against emerging strains of the virus. This review followed 16 recorded Covid-19 deaths in the past fortnight, with an additional three fatalities reported within the last 24 hours.
In its recent announcement, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified JN.1 as a distinct "variant of interest (VoI)," a shift from its previous designation under the A.2.86 sublineages. WHO defines VoIs as variants with potential increased transmission rates due to genetic alterations and potential vaccine evasion capabilities. However, WHO also noted that, based on current data, the global health risk from JN.1 remains low.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the Covid-19 technical lead at WHO, reassured the public, stating that existing Covid-19 vaccines remain effective against all known variants, including JN.1.
While global and national health bodies continue monitoring the situation closely, Indian health experts advise the public to remain composed. They emphasise that recent infections exhibit milder symptoms, and existing treatments prove effective.
India, having experienced two intense waves of Covid-19 since the pandemic's onset, has recorded a cumulative infection tally of 4.5 crore. The death toll currently stands at 5.33 lakh, with 2,311 active cases, according to recent health ministry data.
Covid LIVE — Gurugram reports its second case
The Gurugram health department has swung into action after a second case of Covid was confirmed here on Friday, officials said. All adequate arrangements have been made by the health department to check the spread of the disease, they said. The situation in the district regarding Covid is under control. All adequate arrangements have been made by the health department, said Dr Virendra Yadav, Civil Surgeon, Gurugram. According to a health official, a 42-year-old woman tested Covid positive on Friday. The health department did not find any previous travel history of the patient. The health department said the Covid patient, who has mild symptoms, is being treated in home isolation. (PTI)
Covid LIVE — Rajasthan reports 6 new cases, health dept forms team to prevent disease spread
Six new cases of Covid infection and one related death were reported in Rajasthan on Friday, the state medical and health department said. One patient died in Dausa due to Covid infection on Friday, a statement issued here said. According to the department, the fresh six cases took the active Covid caseload in the state to 10. Three of these new cases were reported in Jaipur, and one each in Alwar, Dholpur and Jodhpur, it said. The samples of 683 patients were taken for testing on Friday, the statement added. Meanwhile, a state-level team has been constituted for the prevention and control of Covid infection, amid a rise in cases across the country. Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of Medical and Health Department, issued an order to constitute a state-level team for Covid management, according to an official statement issued here on Friday. Singh said the team is being formed in view of the rise in number of Covid infections in other states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Medical Education Commissioner Shivprasad Nakate has been appointed as the nodal officer of the 'State Covid Management Committee', the statement said. This committee will carry out necessary activities in the state for the prevention and control of Covid infection, it added. (PTI)
Covid LIVE — Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant on preparations in state
Pune: On the preparations for new Covid JN.1 variant, Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant says, "We have total isolation beds near about 22,445, oxygen beds 35,000, ICU beds near about 10,000, ventilators beds near about 6,500...so there is no fear. The information we received about the variant says that it's not that dangerous." (ANI)
Covid LIVE — Bihar CM Nitish Kumar holds review meeting with officials
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav hold a review meeting with officials regarding the COVID-19 situation, ANI reported.
Covid LIVE: 22 JN.1 variant cases reported in India till December 21 - Report
A total of 22 JN.1 COVID variant cases were reported in India till December 21. No clustering of COVID-19 reported so far, all cases have mild symptoms, ANI reported citing Official sources.
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