In the past 24 hours, Kerala has reported 265 new COVID-19 cases and one death, while the total number of active cases in the country stands at 2,997, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
On a national level, Bharat recorded 594 fresh COVID-19 infections on Thursday, pushing the active cases from 2,311 to 2,669, as per data from the Union Health Ministry.
Amid concerns about a new variant of the Coronavirus, former WHO chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has reassured the public. She emphasized that there’s no need to panic at the moment, as the new variant, JN.1, is classified as a “variant of interest” and not a “variant of concern.”
Dr. Swaminathan urged caution and adherence to preventive measures. She mentioned that the available data doesn’t suggest that JN.1 is more severe or poses a higher risk of causing pneumonia or death. Despite this, she stressed the importance of taking normal preventive measures and remaining vigilant.
The doctor advised people to avoid closed environments with poor ventilation, especially without masks. She highlighted the importance of wearing masks in such settings to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, being in open spaces is recommended, especially as the country enters the season of gatherings.
For individuals experiencing warning symptoms like severe fatigue, prolonged fever, or difficulty breathing, Dr. Swaminathan advised seeking medical attention promptly.
Regarding the classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest by the WHO, it was noted to be distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. The global health body, however, underscored that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.
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