Thane has recorded five cases of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant out of the 20 samples tested since November 30, according to an official. The city currently has 28 active COVID-19 cases, with two patients receiving treatment in hospitals while the rest are recovering at home. The JN.1 variant patients, including a woman, are not hospitalized. Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar and Navi Mumbai counterpart Rajesh Narvekar have held meetings to review preparedness and provide specific directions to officials.
The state of Maharashtra reported 50 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections in the state since the beginning of the pandemic to 81,72,135. Of the new cases, nine were caused by the JN.1 variant, making the total number of infections tied to the sub-variant go up to 10. The JN.1 patients include five from Thane city, two from Pune city, and one each from Pune district, Akola city, and Sindhudurg district. One patient from Pune had recently traveled to the US. All the JN.1 patients have since recovered.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the JN.1 variant as a separate variant of interest, given its rapid spread. However, the WHO has also stated that it poses a low global public health risk. Officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern, as 92 percent of those infected with COVID-19 are choosing home-based treatment, indicating mild illness.
Health officials advise individuals experiencing cold, cough, or fever symptoms to maintain distance from others, wear masks, wash their hands regularly, and use sanitizers.
In Maharashtra, a total of 8,75,65,093 COVID-19 samples have been tested so far, resulting in 81,72,135 positive cases. As many as 80,23,418 patients have been discharged. According to the Union health ministry, India reported a single-day rise of 656 COVID-19 cases, with 3,742 active cases.
In May, the WHO declared that COVID-19 no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern due to the sustained decline in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, as well as high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
In summary, five cases of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant have been found in Thane, Maharashtra. The patients are currently recovering at home, and officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern. The WHO has classified the JN.1 variant as a variant of interest, but it poses a low global public health risk. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
