Covid-19 Updates: As India is witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases, a total of 34 cases of the JN.1 variant have been detected in Karnataka, according to the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services.Karnataka reports 34 cases of Covid JN.1 variantKarnataka has reported 34 Omicron cases so far, with 20 infections in Bengaluru alone. Mysuru accounted for 4 cases, Mandya 3, while 1 case each emerged in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts. Bengaluru South, West and Ramanagara registered one fatality each.Of 192 samples genome sequenced to date, results for 60 confirmed Omicron. The remaining positive cases will be declared by Wednesday, the Health Department said.What are precautionary measures issued by govtWith cases rising in neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Karnataka is taking precautions. The elderly, those with comorbidities, and pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid crowded indoor spaces.Masks are mandatory when stepping out. People with respiratory symptoms must skip festivities, and recreational venues like pools and immediately seek medical consultation.Authorities aim to contain the spread through isolation, tracing, genome sequencing and public adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour. They reminded the high-risk groups to take extra care amid the threat of a third wave driven by the highly infectious Omicron variant.What is death toll of Covid-19Indias Covid-19 death toll stood at 5,33,334 after one new fatality was reported from Kerala in the last 24 hours, as per Health Ministry data. The countrys total case tally currently stands at 4,50,09,248.The number of recovered patients has gone up to 4,44,71,860, taking the national recovery rate to 98.81%.Amid the spike in infections and detection of the JN.1 sub-variant, INSACOG chief Dr NK Arora said no additional vaccine dose is required at present.Is JN.1 dangerousRecently designated a variant of interest by WHO, JN.1 has shown rapid transmission globally. However, the health body assessed its overall risk as low based on current evidence.WHOs decision to classify JN.1 distinctly from its parent BA.2.86 lineage marks a shift from its earlier categorization.Authorities have assured that the situation is being closely monitored through expanded genomic surveillance. The public is also advised to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour as a precaution.
