Health authorities in India have confirmed the presence of the JN.1 variant of Covid, indicating its likely circulation since the first week of November. According to experts cited by Hindustan Times, there is no cause for alarm as this variant, although highly transmissible, does not lead to severe conditions.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating that while there has been a slight increase in Covid cases in the state since November, the situation is entirely under control. Kerala conducts extensive sample testing, which may contribute to a higher number of reported cases.
In the last 24 hours, Kerala reported 265 new Covid infections and one death. Minister Veena George emphasized that the state is well-prepared with contingency plans (A, B, C) and urged the public not to panic. The JN.1 variant is characterized by high transmissibility but a low severity of illness. The minister highlighted that individuals who succumbed to the virus had pre-existing severe health conditions unrelated to Covid.
“We are ready… nothing to panic… transmission of this strain is high but severity is low,” assured Veena George.
