Chandigarh: After few States like Goa and Kerala reported an upsurge in COVID cases, the Chandigarh administration on Wednesday has quickly sprung into action. The COVID 19 sub-variant JN.1 virus is spreading rapidly across India with the country reporting 21 new cases of the JN.1 sub-variant. In states like Maharashtra, all districts have been advised to ramp up coronavirus testing. Officials in Chandigarh have released a set of guidelines for local residents amid rising cases across the country.

Do's

1. Wear mask in crowded and closed settings.
2. Doctors, Paramedics and other Healthcare workers as well as patients and their attendants to wear masks within Health Care facilities.
3. Cover nose and mouth with handkerchief/tissue while sneezing and coughing.
4. Throw used tissues into closed bins immediately after use.
5. Practice frequent hand washing. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand rub. Wash hands even if they are visibly clean.
6. Limit personal contact if suffering from respiratory diseases.
7. Report to health facility and consult doctor if you feel unwell (fever, cough, difficulty in breathing etc.). While visiting doctor wear mask to cover your mouth & nose.
8. Early reporting of symptoms and testing for COVID.
9. If a person tests positive for COVID, he/she must self isolate for seven days. In case of any complication he/she must report to a nearest health facility.

Dont’s

1. Avoid self-medication.
2. Avoid overcrowded & poorly ventilated settings particularly by co-morbid persons and the elderly.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
4. Avoid spitting in public places.

On December 19, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared JN.1, which is a subvariant of its parent variant Omicron BA.2.86, as a 'variant of interest'.