Centre directs States and UT to maintain constant vigil amid rise in COVID-19 cases and detection of first case of its new sub-variant

The Centre has asked States and Union Territories to maintain constant vigil amid a rise in COVID-19 cases and the detection of the first case of the new JN.1 sub-variant in the country. In a letter to States, Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant said, due to consistent and collaborative actions between the Centre and State governments, the country has been able to sustain the COVID-19 trajectory at sustainable low rates.

The country’s first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala recently.  He said, recently, a few states like Kerala have reported a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. States were advised to ensure monitoring and reporting of district-wise cases of Influenza-like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness in all health facilities regularly.