Centre issues advisory to states after Kerala detects first JN.1 variant infection

The sudden surge of COVID-19 variant cases in Southern states of India has led the Central government to issue a new mandate on health alert. The central government has asked states and union territories to stay vigilant and prepared for possible COVID-19 virus spread. On Sunday, December 17, the Union Health Ministry registered more than 300 fresh COVID-19 variant, JN,1, cases across the country.

States like Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have recorded a total of 5 deaths recently, four in Kerala and one in UP. Today, in a letter to states and union territories, Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant emphasized the positive impact of consistent efforts by the Centre and state governments in keeping COVID-19 rates low. Despite this success, Pant highlighted the need to maintain momentum in dealing with public health challenges as the virus continues to circulate.

Acknowledging a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in states like Kerala, Pant mentioned the detection of India’s first case of the JN.1 sub-variant in Kerala on December 8. With the approaching festive season, he urged states to implement necessary public health measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

States were specifically urged to follow detailed operational guidelines for the revised surveillance strategy for COVID-19, provided by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Monitoring and reporting district-wise cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) were recommended to detect rising trends early.

Additionally, states were advised to ensure sufficient testing in all districts according to COVID-19 testing guidelines, maintaining the recommended balance of RT-PCR and antigen tests. The goal is to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to address the evolving challenges posed by the virus, especially during the festive season.