Covid India cases updates: 594 fresh infections reported amid JN.1 worry

Six new Covid cases reported in Telangana have taken the total active cases tally in the state to 19.

The health department Gurugram, Haryana has swung into action after corona was confirmed in a woman, who returned from abroad. The department on Thursday identified 62 suspected patients, who came to the OPD of the civil hospital and the primary health centers, said an official.

A Noida resident has tested positive for Covid, in a first case of the infection in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar after several months, officials said on Thursday. This is the first case in Noida amid fears of the spread of the JN.1 variant.

In response to the evolving situation of COVID cases in the state, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao provided reassurance to the people and said that the risk factor is low adding that there are no restrictions at present.

"The virus does not have a severe impact on the health of people. The risk is low, so you need not panic, there are no restrictions now," the Health Minister asserted. (ANI)

Out of all the states, Goa currently has the highest number of Covid cases of the new variant JN.1.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “People need not panic. Rather, precautions need to be taken to stay out of the risk zone. People above the age of 60 should compulsorily wear masks in public spaces.”

Out of the total cases, 19 Covid samples in Goa were tested positive for new variant JN.1, raising alarm ahead of the New Year celebrations.

“Adequate number of Covid samples are to be sent for RT-PCR testing, as per guidelines. Genome sequencing of positive RT-PCR samples is to be performed, as per guidelines. And, measures are to be taken for raising community awareness for avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, and wearing masks in crowded and close settings and in hospital premises,” a health official in Delhi told PTI.

Delhi health department will send a number of Covid samples for RT-PCR test amid uptick in cases, reported PTI.

Karnataka on Thursday reported 24 new Covid cases, with the samples sent for genome sequencing to test for the new variant JN.1.

Rajasthan city Jaipur has reported 2 new Covid cases in the midst of the spread of the new variant JN.1.

The Health Ministry has assured that there will be no mandatory Covid testing at the airports for the time being and that the situation is under control.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has warned all the officials not to repeat the mistakes of the past, referring to the shortage of hospital beds, medicines and oxygen tanks.

Jammu and Kashmir administration is preparing hospital and exercising excessive caution to make sure the JN.1 variant doesnt cause much uproar.

Maharashtra has seen 14 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, with just one reported case of the new variant JN.1.

Amid the scare of the new JN.1 variant of Covid, West Bengal authorities have said that they have reported no new cases. Meanwhile, 300 new cases were reported in Kerala.

With the 594 fresh cases reported in the country today, the total number of active Covid-19 cases in India now stands at 2,669 on Thursday.

Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has clarified that there are no Covid restrictions imposed in any part of the state and said that any decision will only be taken after consulting the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said that till now, no new case of the JN.1 Covid variant has been reported in Mumbai, which was one of the worst-hit city during the pandemic.

The symptoms of JN.1 variant of Covid-19 are mild, said experts, urging the citizens not the panic over the recent spike in cases.

The Kerala government has made facemasks compulsory for those over the age of 60 to reduce deaths and hospitalizations due to JN.1 variant of Covid.

“In India, people have already been exposed to various sub-variants, including Omicron variants, and received at least two shots of COVID-19 vaccines. There is no renewed risk of SARS-CoV-2 variant or sub-variant causing severe illness,” said health expert Chandrakant Lahariya to PTI.

The schools in Karnataka have been asked to mask up and check the temperature upon entry in the school, as the administration remains on their toes regarding the Covid situation.