India Covid update: Centre issues advisory to states amid Covid surge, detection of JN 1 variant in India

New Delhi, December 18: Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases and the detection of the first case of JN.1 subvariant in India, the Centre has issued a comprehensive advisory to all states. This advisory underscores the critical importance of maintaining a heightened state of vigilance regarding the evolving Covid-19 situation.

States across the country have been strongly urged to remain proactive in monitoring and reporting Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases on a district-wise basis at regular intervals.

Furthermore, the Centre's advisory emphasises the necessity of ramping up testing measures, particularly an increased utilisation of RT-PCR tests. States have been directed to ensure the facilitation of ample testing facilities to promptly identify and isolate positive cases of Covid 19. Additionally, it has been emphasised that all positive samples must be promptly sent to INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) laboratories for genome sequencing. This strategic move aims to facilitate the comprehensive monitoring and understanding of any emerging variants of concern within the country's Covid-19 landscape.

Notably, as of Monday, India continues to maintain control over its Covid-19 situation, recording an active caseload of 1,828. However, one person died in Kerala, where the recently identified JN.1 subvariant of Covid 19 was detected.

Dr NK Arora, head of INSACOG, a network of genomic laboratories monitoring virus variants, clarified that while the JN.1 subvariant was detected, the reported death was not solely attributed to this variant. Instead, it was determined that the patient had multiple underlying health conditions contributing to the fatality.