As of January 3, 2023, India has reported 602 new COVID-19 cases and 5 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The ongoing surge in cases has been notable since the previous month, particularly in Kerala. The emergence of the Omicron sub-variant JN.1 has prompted various states and union territories to implement measures aimed at containing its spread.
In response to the evolving situation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has issued guidelines for COVID-19 suspected or positive cases to be followed at hospitals. Earlier, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated the new strain as a Variant of Interest (VOI), subjecting it to intense scientific scrutiny. Notably, this variant has shown increased severity in older individuals and those with comorbidities.
On Tuesday, India recorded three COVID-related deaths in a day, along with 636 fresh coronavirus cases, as per data released by the Health Ministry. The fatalities included two from Kerala and one from Tamil Nadu.
Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj provided reassurance, stating that the reported cases in Delhi and neighboring states suggest mild symptoms, with individuals experiencing a mild cough, cold, or fever, and overall quick recovery.
“The information received about the disease so far from Delhi and neighbouring states has suggested that the cases are mild. Some people have a mild cough and cold, and some have a mild fever. People are recovering from the disease quickly. As of now, there is nothing to worry about,” Delhi Minister said on Wednesday.
The country has identified a total of 263 cases of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, with approximately half of them reported in Kerala, according to data from INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium). The situation is being closely monitored as authorities work to manage and mitigate the impact of the evolving COVID-19 scenario.
