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Updated 13:55 IST, December 29th 2023

COVID JN.1: India's tally nears 200, several states impose restrictions for New Year's celebrations

COVID JN.1: In view of increasing caseloads, several bans on New Year celebrations have been announced by states and UTs this time.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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India's COVID JN.1 tally rises
India's COVID JN.1 tally rises | Image: PTI/File

COVID JN.1: Several states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi and others have imposed prohibitory orders as India's tally of COVID JN.1 variant rose to 145 on Friday. Health ministry sources said that these samples were collected between 21 November and 18th December 2023. In view of increasing caseloads, several bans on New Year celebrations have been announced by states and UTs this time. Here follows the list of states and union territories that have introduced fresh restrictions of one type or another.

Delhi

Delhi has reiterated directions for carrying out genome sequencing of positive cases so that cases of the JN.1 variant can be confirmed. The government has also ramped up Covid testing. On Wednesday, Delhi confirmed its first case of the JN. 1 variant. The patient was a 52-year-old woman. "I have reiterated the directions for genome sequencing of all the positive cases, so that the number of cases of new variants can be confirmed. Yesterday, three variants were confirmed, of which two were of the old Omicron variant and the new one is the JN.1 variant. The good thing is that the patient diagnosed with the new variant, who was hospitalised, has been discharged," Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said. 
 

Karnataka

Karnataka government issued an advisory asking people above 60 years, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and lactating mothers, to wear face masks when outdoor, and to strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas, in the wake of the current Covid-19 situation in the country and detection of JN.1 sub variant in neighbouring Kerala. 

It also issued a circular instructing authorities in districts bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu to be vigilant, and ensure adequate testing and timely reporting of Covid cases.In the context of the current scenario of Covid-19 in the country and the emergence of JN.1 sub variant, the ongoing winter, and the expected crowding particularly in closed spaces during the year-end and New Year festivities, the general public are advised to comply with the precautionary measures, which are also advised by Covid-19 State Technical Advisory Committee(TAC), it said.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, people were strongly advised to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour and exercise heightened vigilance. Maharashtra health minister Tanaji Sawant asked people and institutions in the state to remain alert for the next 10 to 15 days to check the spread of coronavirus.The health department has already directed that the number of coronavirus tests be increased in view of the detection of cases caused by the JN.1 sub variant. “People should strictly follow rules to avoid the spread of coronavirus. People are excited to welcome the new year, but in large gatherings, the chances of it spreading also go up,” he said.

Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government has sounded an alert and instructed all the District Magistrates (DMs) and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to follow the guidelines issued for the prevention of the disease in hospitals. Additionally, respiratory, lung, and heart patients should be closely monitored, and individuals with influenza cases should be tested.

Published 13:44 IST, December 29th 2023