More from HealthSince May 19, three deaths have been reported in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka. However, the Ministry has stated that more details are awaited before these deaths can be confirmed as related to Covid-19.
What's triggering new cases?
The subvariant JN.1 is making up 16.3 per cent of sequenced cases in the epidemiological week ending February 2. Authorities in Singapore have reported that two JN.1 descendant lineages — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — now account for over two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. However, they clarified that “there is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants.”
While the rampant spread of the virus has been kept in check for a long time, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, has not disappeared entirely. Earlier this month, when a rise in cases was being reported in Singapore, authorities said that periodic waves of Covid-19 can be expected throughout the year.
Is there a reason to be worried?
Dr Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has said, "As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared."
“People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. There is nothing special to do right now,” he added.
