The Centre issues an advisory to states as Covid-19 cases surge and first case of JN.1 variant is detected in India. In an effort to combat the recent upsurge in Covid-19 cases in some states and the detection of the JN.1 variant, the Centre has issued an advisory to states. The advisory urges states to maintain constant vigilance over the Covid situation and report district-wise influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) regularly.
The Union health secretary, Sudhansh Pant, sent a letter to states and Union Territories (UTs) highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of the Covid situation in the country. The collaborative efforts between the Centre and state governments have managed to sustain the trajectory at sustainable low rates, but it is crucial to keep the momentum going to effectively deal with the challenges in public health, according to the health ministry.
States have been advised to implement necessary public health measures and arrangements to minimize the risk of increased transmission of the disease, especially with upcoming festivities. It is encouraged for states to increase the number of RT-PCR tests and send positive samples for genome sequencing to the Indian SARS COV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) laboratories for timely detection of any new variants.
The JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, has been identified in a woman from Kerala. This discovery has raised concerns and emphasizes the need to remain vigilant in the fight against the viral disease. The Centre confirmed the presence of the JN.1 sub-variant in a patient from Kerala, making it the first case in India. The JN.1 sub-variant is closely related to the BA.2.86 variant, also known as Pirola, which has been detected in the US and China recently. A Covid-positive patient in Thiruvananthapuram tested positive for JN.1 on December 8 as part of routine surveillance.
As the nation continues to battle the Covid-19 virus, it is crucial for states to stay proactive and reactive in their measures. The focus is on gathering data through monitoring ILI and SARI cases, increasing testing, and identifying any new variants through genome sequencing. The Centre’s advisory aims to ensure that states are well-equipped to handle the evolving situation and protect the health and well-being of citizens.
With the festive season approaching, it becomes even more critical to implement preventive measures and maintain effective surveillance. The Centre’s advisory serves as a reminder to states to remain vigilant and take necessary actions to prevent the further spread of the virus.
By adhering to the advisory and continuing collaborative efforts, India can navigate through these challenging times and effectively manage the Covid-19 situation. With a concerted approach and proactive measures, the country can safeguard the health of its citizens and mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
Please note: The content generated above is created by an AI language model and does not include explicit notes about adherence to guidelines.
