In response to the increasing cases of the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus in some states, the Uttarakhand government has issued a high alert and advisory. Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar emphasized the need for proactive efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in all districts and hospitals across the state.
District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have been instructed to strictly follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines in hospitals. Special attention is directed towards monitoring respiratory, lung, and heart patients, along with testing individuals presenting influenza-like symptoms. Hospitals are mandated to input all relevant patient information into the Integrated Health Information Platform portal.
While there are currently no reported cases of the JN.1 variant in Uttarakhand, hospitals are on alert as a precautionary measure. The state government is placing particular emphasis on public awareness campaigns regarding respiratory hygiene.
Simultaneously, the Karnataka government, responding to the JN.1 subvariant’s detection in Kerala, has ordered mandatory mask-wearing for individuals over 60 years, those with heart and kidney diseases, and those with fever, phlegm, and cold symptoms.
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India’s overall COVID-19 situation remains under control, with an active caseload of 1,828 as of Monday. However, one death has been reported in Kerala, where the JN.1 subvariant was recently detected. Originating in the United States in September 2023, JN.1 continues to be closely monitored across the country.
