Centre asks states to be alert amid rising covid numbers; Goa reports 18 of 19 JN.1 cases

There has been an uptick in Covid cases in some states in the country after the detection of the first case of Coronavirus sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala. Insacog, the central government forum of labs, found 19 sequences of the new JN.1 variant - one from Maharashtra and 18 from Goa.

India recorded 614 new coronavirus infections, the highest since May 21, while the active cases have increased to 2,311, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. Kerala alone has reported 292 fresh Covid infections and three deaths in 24 hours. Internationally, Singapore has reported 56,000 cases, with travel advisories now in place.

Union health minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday held a high-level review meeting with representatives of all states/UTs on the preparedness of health services in the backdrop of the recent upsurge of Covid cases in various states. Following the meeting, State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had this to say.

Symptoms linked to the new Covid variant are generally mild to moderate in severity. These symptoms may encompass fever, a runny nose, sore throat, and headaches. In certain rare instances, individuals infected with the JN.1 variant may also encounter gastrointestinal issues, resulting in changes to digestive health, the WHO says.