Government sends Covid-19 Alert
The government has issued a Covid-19 alert, but currently, there is no sign of heightened severity from the JN.1 variant.
Acknowledging an increase in the daily COVID-19 positivity rate in certain states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, the Union Health Ministry issued an alert on Wednesday. However, it emphasized that there have been no reported clusters of cases associated with the new JN.1 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
V.K. Paul, a member of NITI Aayog focused on health, mentioned that India has identified 21 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant so far, and approximately 91%-92% of those individuals are choosing home-based treatment. Dr. Paul elaborated that Goa has reported 19 cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, with one case each in Kerala and Maharashtra. In the last two weeks, 16 deaths linked to COVID-19 were documented, and many of the deceased had significant comorbidities.
“The WHO stated that considering the available evidence, the current assessment of the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is low. However, the organization noted that with the arrival of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, JN.1 has the potential to elevate the incidence of respiratory infections in numerous countries.”
Vaccines Remain Effective for Covid-19 variant
The statement emphasized that existing vaccines remain effective in safeguarding against severe illness and mortality caused by JN.1 and other prevalent variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The WHO highlighted its ongoing surveillance of evidence and pledged to revise the risk assessment of JN.1 as necessary.
The Health Minister called upon all states to stay vigilant, enhance surveillance, and guarantee a sufficient supply of medications, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines. States have been instructed to conduct mock drills quarterly to evaluate the operational efficiency of PSA (pressure swing adsorption) plants, oxygen concentrators, cylinders, ventilators, etc. Additionally, they are encouraged to share and adopt best practices.
The Ministry highlighted the difficulties arising from the rising COVID-19 cases in several countries globally, such as China, Brazil, Germany, and the United States. It emphasized the significance of readiness for new and evolving strains of COVID-19, particularly with the approaching festive season. Emphasizing that the COVID-19 challenge persists, the Ministry urged states to keep a close watch on emerging evidence related to COVID-19 cases, symptoms, and their severity. States are requested to plan suitable public health responses accordingly.
