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Published 15:19 IST, December 20th 2023

No need to panic, says Mansukh Mandaviya as he holds COVID review meet amid rising cases in India

Amid the emergence of new COVID variant JN.1, Mandaviya stressed on the need for joint efforts between Centre and states to ensure efficient management of

Reported by: Manisha Roy
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Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya advised the officials to undertake mock drills once every three months at both central and state levels. | Image: Republic

New Delhi: Owing to rising COVID-19 cases in some parts of the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday held a high-review meeting to assess the situation and preparedness of health facilities across the country and stressed on being alert against emerging strains of coronavirus. 

The Union Health Minister said,” It is important to be on alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of COVID-19 virus.” Amid the emergence of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, the minister reiterated the need for joint efforts between Centre and states to ensure efficient management of COVID-19. 

"We need to be on the alert but there is no need to panic," the Union health minister said.

The Centre has asked states and union territories to maintain constant vigil amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases and the detection of the new JN.1 variant in the country. He advised the officials to undertake mock drills once every three months at both Central and State levels. “Let us undertake mock drills once every three months at both Central and State levels and share best practices,” he added. The states have also been directed to monitor emerging evidence of COVID-19 infections, symptoms and case severity to plan appropriate public health responses.

States/UTs have also been advised to send samples of all positive cases to INSACOG labs to facilitate tracking of new variants. The states have been urged to create awareness, manage infodemic and ensure dissemination of factually correct information. 

292 fresh COVID cases in Kerala in 24 hours

292 fresh COVID-19 cases and three more deaths have been registered in Kerala in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said. As many as 20 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been found across the country with 18 traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra, INSACOG data showed. 

Updated 15:19 IST, December 20th 2023