India saw a huge surge in active COVID cases, with 614 infections and three related deaths reported in the past 24 hours. As per the data collected by the Union Health Ministry, it has been the highest number of infections recorded in a day since May 21, 2023. It is believed that this surge in the number is because of the JN.1, the newly found sub-variant of Omicron.
New Sub-Variant Found In Kerala
In this wave, the worst-hit state is Kerala where a new sub-variant of Omicron has been detected during a routine RT-PCR by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). The infected was a 79-year-old woman from Karakulam in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. She was showing symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and is now reported to have recovered. However, this sudden increase in the number of active COVID-19 patients across the country is believed to be because of JN.1, the new sub-variant.
Also Read: India Registers 1,701 New COVID Cases, New Sub Variant Detected In Kerala
What Steps Is The Ministry Taking?
The Union Health Ministry conducted a meeting on Wednesday with state health ministers in order to assess and analyze the preparedness in case the situation worsens. The meeting was chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, and influential figures in the health sector like Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Secretary Department of Health Research Dr Rajiv Bahl and Dr VK Paul, Member, (Health), NITI Aayog were also present. During the meeting, the Union Health Minister stressed the fact that it would need joint efforts from the center and states to be able to tackle this challenge coming our way. He also requested the states to send all the COVID-19-positive samples to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) labs for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
Also Read: Centre Calls Health Meet As Covid Rises In Kerala, 10 Deaths This Month
Health Minister Calls For Mock Drills
After the meeting was conducted, the ministry wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), "It is time to work together in a "Whole of Government" approach, through closely working with each other. We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic. It is important to be prepared with mock drills of hospital preparedness, increased surveillance, and effective communication with people. Let us do a mock drill in all hospitals once every 3 months. I assure all support of the Centre to States."
