PATNA: The emergence of the new sub-variant, JN-1, of COVID-19 has brought renewed concerns to Bihar. Reporting two cases in Patna just two days ago, the state now grapples with a third case, as a woman from Gopalganj tests positive for the virus, prompting attention from health officials and the public.
The discovery of the new variant has prompted increased vigilance across Bihar. Over the last 24 hours, 4900 individuals voluntarily underwent COVID-19 testing, revealing a 22-year-old girl from Gopalganj as the latest confirmed case. Testing in Patna facilitated prompt investigations into her travel history, with health authorities also looking into her family members.
To address the situation, Patna Civil Surgeon Dr. Shravan Kumar reassured the public that all three confirmed cases, including the recent Gopalganj case, are under home isolation. A dedicated team of doctors is utilizing telemedicine to monitor the patients, emphasizing the importance of public caution.
In response to the national alert regarding the new variant, JN-1, the Bihar Health Department has taken proactive steps. Oxygen plants have been activated, and hospitals have been instructed to implement precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19. The Health Department has mandated RTPCR tests for individuals exhibiting symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, and throat infection. Positive cases will undergo genome sequencing at medical colleges for a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving situation.
COVID-19 testing is now underway at all airports in Bihar, and government hospitals are prepared to conduct tests following Health Department guidelines. Special attention is urged for patients displaying influenza-like symptoms, ensuring a swift response to potential cases.
The recent surge in cases, with 656 new reports nationwide within a day, underscores the challenges faced not only in Bihar but across the country. On Tuesday, the tally of active coronavirus cases in India eclipsed the 4,100 mark, with a notable surge of 412 new cases attributed to the JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant within the past 24 hours. As of Tuesday, the active cases reached 4,170, and the cumulative death toll stood at 5.33 lakh, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry.
Responding to the escalating situation, the Karnataka cabinet sub-committee on coronavirus is scheduled to convene on Tuesday following the confirmation of 34 cases of the JN.1 subvariant within the state on Monday. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public that no immediate restrictions are in place but stressed the paramount importance of exercising caution.
Simultaneously, the Delhi government issued advisories on Tuesday, urging citizens to wear masks and avoid gatherings, citing the recent surge in coronavirus infections and the impending New Year celebrations. Karnataka reported 34 cases of the JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant on Monday, with 20 cases in Bengaluru, four in Mysuru, three in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamaraja Nagara.
As of Sunday, India has documented a total of 63 cases involving the JN.1 variant. This includes 34 cases in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 8 in Karnataka, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. The JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to the surge in coronavirus cases, not only in India but also in various countries globally.
