Once again, the country is witnessing an increase in the pace of the coronavirus. In the past 24 hours, the virus has shown seriousness with 335 new cases. Additionally, in Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, five people lost their lives to COVID-19. The highly contagious variant of the virus, JEN-1, has been detected in Kerala, prompting all states in the country to enhance health-related measures. With the detection of the most potent variant of the virus in Kerala, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory, urging all senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals to wear masks. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has issued this advice for the affected people in the state.

The strong resurgence of COVID-19 with the onset of winter has alarmed the central government. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Monday that there were 335 new cases of COVID-19 reported on Sunday. Additionally, one more person in Uttar Pradesh and four individuals in Kerala succumbed to the virus. The active cases of COVID-19 have risen to over 1,700. Kerala has reported a new variant of the coronavirus, which has significantly increased cases in Singapore, followed by the United States and China. With the increasing cases in neighboring states, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory as a precautionary measure.

Covid subvariant JN.1 case detected in Kerala, raises concerns

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Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao of the state advised elderly citizens and those suffering from other serious illnesses to wear masks on Monday. Speaking to journalists in Kodagu, Karnataka, the health minister stated that while there is no need to panic, caution is essential. He mentioned, “We had a meeting yesterday where we discussed what steps should be taken. We will soon issue an advisory. For now, those aged 60 and above with heart problems and other serious illnesses should wear masks.”

He said, “We have instructed government hospitals to remain prepared. Regions sharing borders with Kerala should be more vigilant. Mangalore, Chamarajanagar, and Kodagu should stay alert. Testing will be increased. People with respiratory issues must undergo testing compulsorily.”