India has recorded 692 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. The total active caseload has increased by four, reaching 4,097.
Deaths and Cases
In the last 24 hours, six deaths have been reported across the country: two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal. This brings the total count of coronavirus cases in India since January 2020 to 4,50,10,944, with an increase of 702 cases in the last 24 hours. The total death toll due to COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 5,33,346, reflecting an increase of six deaths in the same period.
Variant Update
Delhi reported its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 on Wednesday. According to Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, out of the three samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1, and two are Omicron. The JN.1 sub-variant is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant known as BA.2.86 or Pirola. The first case of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 was reported in Kerala. As of Wednesday, a total of 109 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant have been detected in India, according to Health Ministry sources. However, the World Health Organisation has emphasized that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.
AIIMS Guidelines
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has issued guidelines for COVID-19 suspected or positive cases following the sudden surge in cases in the country. The director of AIIMS Delhi held a meeting with all heads of departments of the hospital on Wednesday to discuss COVID-19 contingency measures. Policies on COVID-19 testing, designated areas for positive patients, and hospitalization protocols were among the topics discussed in the meeting.
Ben Müller
Clara Cardoso
