India records 614 new covid infections, 3 died in Kerala

In some states of the nation, the number of cases of COVID-19 has increased since Kerala was the site of the first case of the coronavirus subvariant JN.1. Nineteen sequences of the descendant JN.1 (BA.2.86), one from Maharashtra and eighteen from Goa, were discovered by Insacog, the central government forum of labs.

The Union Health Ministry updated its data on Wednesday, showing that the number of active coronavirus infections has risen to 2,311, India has recorded 614 new infections, the highest since May 21.

The data updated at 8 am showed that the death toll was 5,33,321, with three deaths reported from Kerala in 24 hours.

In a single day, Kerala reported 292 new cases of COVID-19 infections and three fatalities, according to data from the Union Health Ministry website.

On Wednesday, 341 new cases of Covid-19 were reported across the country; 292 of those cases were reported to have originated in Kerala. Data from the Ministry website indicates that as a result, there are now 2,311 active cases nationwide. Three more deaths have been reported in Kerala, bringing the state’s total number of Covid-related deaths since the covid outbreak three years ago to 72,056.

On the current COVID-19 situation and the government’s preparedness, NITI Aayog member-Health VK Paul says, “Health minister has requested the states and UTs to be aware and vigilant, but at the same time, there is no need to panic. Second, we must improve our surveillance. Thirdly, the states should mount absolute preparations in terms of readiness for hospital availability. Mock drills should be conducted in addition to overall preparation. Lastly, do not rely on or spread misinformation.”

At a high-level meeting Union health minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, “It is time to work together with a ‘Whole of government’ approach… We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic. It’s important to be prepared with mock drills of hospital preparedness, increased surveillance and effective communication with people. A mock drill should be done in all hospitals once every 3 months. I assure all support of the Centre to States. Health is not an area of politics.”

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