The Karnataka government has ordered compulsory mask-wearing for vulnerable groups (60+ citizens) following the detection of new Covid subvariant JN.1 in neighbouring Kerala.What are new precautionary guidelines for Covid-19 in KarnatakaHealth Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the move on Tuesday after a technical advisory meeting. Masks are now mandatory for people over 60 years of age, those with heart and kidney diseases, and those with fever, phlegm, and colds,” according to Rao.Hospitals and health centres have also been told to prepare for a potential rise in cases. Officials plan “more vigilance” along the border in districts like Kodagu, Mangaluru and Chamarajanagar where transmission from Kerala is considered more likely.“Testing is mandatory for those suffering from breathing problems and other problems,” the health minister said. Analysing positive test rates over the coming days will reveal if infections are increasing significantly. “Then we will decide what to do. We will do more testing at the border,” he added.But the minister stressed the current situation remains under control and there is “no need to panic.” Measures may tighten if symptomatic cases rise sharply. “As of now, it is normal in the state... Currently, there is no such situation. No one needs to worry.”Indias Covid-19 cases stood at 1,828 on Monday, with one death reported in Kerala where the new subvariant – JN.1 emerged. However, INSACOG chief Dr NK Arora said this fatality had “severe comorbidities” including heart, lung and kidney disease. The primary cause of death was attributed to these conditions, not solely to the JN.1 subvariant,” he noted.Is this situation alarmingGenome sequencing continues across India to monitor for new variants. While sample numbers remain low, Dr Arora said these are being collected nationwide. For now, he emphasised that “the situation” requires only “close monitoring”, not alarm.What is Covid subvariant JN.1The JN.1 case was detected during “routine surveillance” of positive Kerala samples by INSACOG on December 8th. The patient initially tested positive on November 18th with “mild” cold-like symptoms but has since recovered.JN.1 descends from the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron and was first spotted in the United States three months ago. The WHO warned this week that continued viral evolution means member states should sustain genomic sequencing and data sharing.Indias health ministry remains in contact with Kerala authorities to monitor the situation. Entry points into Karnataka from across the border are also being watched closely.
