A surge in daily Covid cases, driven by the emergence of the JN.1 variant, has prompted several states in India to issue mask advisories and rekindled concerns about the ongoing pandemic. In the past 24 hours, the country reported a total of 358 Covid cases, with Kerala alone contributing 300 cases. The Union Health Ministry notes that there are currently 2,669 active cases of Covid nationwide.
The recent spike, marked by 614 cases reported yesterday, the highest since May, has raised alarms among health authorities. The rise in infections is attributed to the JN.1 variant, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘variant of interest.’ Although WHO suggests that the variant doesn’t pose a major risk, concerns are heightened as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, potentially increasing the burden of respiratory infections.
Former WHO chief scientist, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, emphasized the need to take the current situation seriously, cautioning against dismissing Covid as a common cold. She highlighted the potential long-term effects of the disease, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia, and mental health problems.
Dr. Swaminathan acknowledged the emergence of the JN.1 variant, a sub-variant of Omicron, and expressed hope that it behaves similarly to the relatively mild Omicron. However, she stressed the importance of understanding that each new variant tends to be more transmissible and can create waves of infection.
As concerns grow, health experts advise the public to remain vigilant. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, emphasized the importance of wearing masks, particularly in crowded and closed settings. He noted the unique nature of the JN.1 variant, describing it as a “multi-step ahead variant” with a substantial number of mutations.
In response to the escalating situation, the Union Health Ministry conducted a high-level review and urged all states to enhance surveillance, ensure an adequate stock of medicines and oxygen cylinders, and remain alert to tackle any spike caused by the new variant.
The administration of Chandigarh has already issued an advisory, recommending the wearing of masks in crowded and closed settings, along with practicing hand hygiene. Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of preparedness against new and emerging strains of the Covid-19 virus.
As the nation navigates this new phase of the pandemic, experts and authorities stress the significance of adhering to preventive measures, recognizing the potential severity of the JN.1 variant, and maintaining a collective effort to mitigate the spread of the virus.
