Indias active Covid-19 cases crossed the 4,000 mark on Monday, registering a spike for the third straight day amid the spread of the new JN.1 sub-variant.4,054 fresh cases in India in 24 hoursThe Health Ministry data showed 4,054 active cases in the past 24 hours compared to 3,742 the previous day. One more death was reported from Kerala, taking the nationwide toll to 5,33,334.Kerala, where JN.1 was first detected in India, recorded the highest 128 new cases. Its active tally went past 3,000. Nationally, 315 patients recovered in the last 24 hours taking total recoveries to 4.44 crore.The national recovery and case fatality rates stood at 98.81% and 1.18% respectively.5 JN.1 cases found in ThaneMeanwhile, Maharashtras Thane city has identified five JN.1 infections out of 20 samples genome sequenced since November 30th. None of the patients, including a woman, required hospitalization and all recovered at home. Thane currently has 28 active cases, with two hospitalized.On Sunday, India registered 656 fresh Covid-19 cases and one death, while active cases rose to 3,740 from 3,420 the previous day.The 752 cases on Saturday were the highest since May 21st, with active cases crossing the 3,000 mark.Heres what Centre said:While advising caution, the Centre has said the current spike was not worrying and urged at-risk people to continue wearing masks. It assured that no JN.1 case clustering has been observed so far, with infections being mild.But authorities are tracking the new variant classified as of interest by the WHO. JN.1 has emerged as one of the fastest-spreading strains globally in recent weeks.Precautionary measures must be takenAlthough the latest increase in cases is marginal, experts fear complacency could allow a rapid surge like previous waves. Timely containment at the initial stages is crucial.State administrations are being advised to ramp up testing, surveillance and health infrastructure. The public must also strictly follow Covid-appropriate behaviour amid the emergence of new variants.With the experience of three waves, preparation and localized response hold the key to preventing another nationwide outbreak. Authorities have assured the situation is being closely monitored.
