Amid rising concern about the JN.1 Covid-19 variant, top government officials said a rise in cases was expected in the winter months, while also confirming 23 coronavirus-linked deaths in the past two weeks.
India on Thursday saw an uptick in Covid-19 cases, with 358 fresh infections recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the data by the Union Health Ministry. The surge in cases comes amid a rise in Covid sub-variant JN.1, which was first detected in Kerala.
Despite the rising caseload, the government currently has no plans for travel restrictions, mask mandates, or compulsory third doses, sources said. Officials cite JN.1 as a “subtype of a subtype” with lessened potential for severe illness compared to earlier variants.
The fresh infections were mainly reported from Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease increased to 4,44,70,576 and the national recovery rate was pegged at 98.81 per cent, according to the health ministry’s website.
The Indian Health Ministry held a meeting to review the sudden increase in Covid-19 cases and deaths in several parts of the country. The meeting was chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who said it was important to remain alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of Covid-19.
He called for the need for joint efforts between the Centre and states to ensure efficient management of the virus. “Let us undertake mock drills once every three months at both Central and State levels and share best practices,” he said.
States have been directed to monitor emerging evidence of Covid-19 cases, symptoms and case severity to plan appropriate public health responses.
