Alarming Surge: India Records 358 New Covid Cases Amid Variant Concerns

India witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases, reporting 358 new infections in the last 24 hours, as per data from the Union Health Ministry. This surge coincides with an increase in the JN.1 Covid sub-variant, initially identified in Kerala. The death toll stands at 5,33,327, with three deaths reported in Kerala within the same period.

The majority of new cases emerged in Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. The national recovery rate is at 98.81%, with 4,44,70,576 individuals recovering from the disease. Kerala remains a focal point for both new cases and recent deaths.

India has identified 21 cases of the JN.1 coronavirus variant nationwide, according to NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul. He reassured the public that existing treatments are effective, the infection tends to be mild, and virus mutations are a natural occurrence.

While urging states to enhance testing and surveillance, Dr Paul emphasized that approximately 91 to 92% of those infected are opting for home-based treatment. Various states are proactively preparing for potential scenarios in response to concerns about the new Covid variant’s spread.