A rise in the daily positivity rate has been observed in certain states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.
As per official sources, Goa reported 19 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant, with one case each identified in Kerala and Maharashtra. Over the past two weeks, 16 Covid-19-related deaths were recorded, primarily among individuals with serious comorbidities.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya conducted a review of health facilities nationwide, emphasising the importance of staying alert to emerging strains of the coronavirus. The government has also issued a directive to states and union territories, urging them to stay vigilant as Covid-19 cases rise, coupled with the emergence of the JN.1 variant.
Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant highlighted that despite the increase in cases, 92.8% of those infected are in home isolation, indicating mild illness. He said, “No increase in hospitalisation rates has been witnessed due to Covid-19. The cases that have been hospitalised were due to other medical conditions and Covid was an incidental finding.”
On the JN.1 variant, Pant clarified that it is currently under intense scientific scrutiny but is not an immediate cause for concern. Officials have said that there is no clustering of cases related to the JN.1 variant in India, and all reported cases have been mild, with patients recovering without complications.
India recorded 614 new coronavirus infections in a day, marking the highest daily count since May 21. The total active cases have risen to 2,311, according to data from the Union Health Ministry.
(With agency inputs)
Watch Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviews COVID surge; Kerala reports deaths, hospitalisations; JN.1 variant; mild cases, minimal impact.