As many as 21 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected across India so far, according to the Union Health Ministry. The majority of cases – 19 were reported in the coastal state of Goa, while Kerala and Maharashtra confirmed one case each.What is Covid subvariant JN.1JN.1 is a descendant of the dominant Omicron variant that drove last winters wave of infections. Dubbed a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it has quickly become one of the fastest-spreading coronavirus strains in recent weeks. However, the WHO said it poses a low risk to public health globally.Is the situation panicking in IndiaWith Covid-19 cases witnessing an uptick across India, NITI Aayogs health member Dr V K Paul stated on Wednesday that there was no need to panic. “The scientific community is closely tracking the new JN.1 sub-variant,” he assured, while advising states to ramp up testing, surveillance and preparation of health infrastructure.The Union Health Ministry also issued an advisory directing states and union territories to monitor influenza-like and severe acute respiratory illness regularly across all health facilities. The aim is to remain vigilant and identify any possible outbreaks early.What precautionary measures should be takenThe authorities emphasised the need to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour amid the emergence of new variants - wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene and social distancing - to prevent any exponential rise in infections.
