21 cases of new covid variant JN.1 in India confirmed in lab tests

• India reports 21 cases of the new Covid variant JN.1, with 19 in Goa and one each in Maharashtra and Kerala
• Health Minister Mandaviya emphasizes vigilance and coordination, urging regular mock drills to share best practices
• Health Ministry Secretary Pant notes a recent surge in active cases but highlights that the JN.1 variant is not an immediate concern

India has confirmed 21 cases of the newly identified coronavirus variant, JN.1, across the country, according to a statement by NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul. Goa has reported 19 cases, while Maharashtra and Kerala have reported one case each.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya conducted a review of the COVID-19 situation and the readiness of public health systems, emphasizing the need for vigilance against new strains. The minister called for enhanced coordination between the central and state authorities and recommended regular mock drills every three months to share best practices.

Mandaviya highlighted that the pandemic is not over, urging states to monitor emerging evidence of COVID-19 cases, symptoms, and severity to plan an effective public health response. During a presentation by Health Ministry Secretary Sudhansh Pant, it was noted that India's overall cases are relatively low compared to global numbers, but there has been a recent surge in active cases, rising from 115 on December 6 to 614 today.

Most cases (92.8%) are in home isolation, indicating mild illness, with no significant increase in hospitalization rates attributed to COVID-19. However, a rise in the daily positivity rate has been observed in Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka.

Pant mentioned that the JN.1 variant is under intense scientific scrutiny but is currently not a cause for immediate concern. No clustering of cases related to the JN.1 variant has been observed in India, and all reported cases were mild, with patients recovering without complications.