New Covid variant JN.1, that has been causing a spike in cases in US since September this year, has now been detected in India. Found in Kerala during a routine surveillance, the variant is currently under close monitoring.
As the COVID surge continues in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reported 341 new active cases across the country. As per the COVID bulletin for December 20, 2023, the active caseload for India stands at a total of 2,311.
Along with the new cases, India has reported three new deaths one in Karnataka and two in the state of Kerala. With these new deaths, the total number of COVID-19 deaths in India has increased to 5,33,321.
After the Central government ordered increased testing across the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research has sent all known COVID strains to Bharat Bi0otech, who are now likely to prepare a universal COVID vaccine.
Authorities attribute this rise to intensified testing, aligning with the directive from the Centre to enhance vigilance.
The World Health Organisation has classified the JN.1 strain as a “variant of interest.” However, WHO has also mentioned that the global public health risk posed by JN.1 is hopefully low.