As the fight against COVID-19 continues, Kerala has emerged as a hotspot, reporting 300 out of 594 new COVID-19 infections in India, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. The state also witnessed three COVID-19-related deaths in the last 24 hours. India’s total COVID-19 tally now stands at 4.50 crore (4,50,06,572), with the death toll reaching 5,33,327, including six new fatalities – three from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Punjab.
Of particular concern is the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant, responsible for a global increase in coronavirus cases. India has recorded 21 cases of this new sub-variant. Goa reported the majority of these cases, with 19 individuals testing positive for the JN.1 variant. This sub-variant, known as BA.2.86.1.1, is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage (Pirola) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Kerala, which has faced continuous challenges in managing the pandemic, has seen a significant increase in cases recently. However, Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, reassured the public that despite the rising cases, the state’s hospitals were well-prepared to handle COVID-19 infections.
While Kerala grapples with the surge in cases, other states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka have also reported a rise in the daily positivity rate, according to PTI reports.
In response to the surge in cases, the West Bengal Health Department has decided to continue its surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases. This decision aligns with central guidelines, as the state remains prepared for any potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the COVID-19 battle was not yet over, urging all states to closely monitor emerging cases, symptoms, and case severity. He called on states to remain vigilant, increase surveillance, and ensure an adequate stock of essential medical supplies, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines.
