JN.1 variant: No Covid-19 case reported in Odisha last week, claim officials

In the midst of an increase in infections throughout the nation, the Odisha government announced on Wednesday that the state has not recorded any Covid cases in the previous week.They added that the government is stepping up its surveillance and is on high alert.After attending the Covid-19 review meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Odisha Health Minister Niranjan Pujhari said, “Kerala, Goa and Karnataka have reported some cases of new variants of Covid-19. Though the new variant is not dangerous, the Centre has asked us to remain alert, enhance testing and strengthen surveillance.”Attending the conference as well, Sachidananda Mohanty, the director of medical education and training, reported that despite examining over 3,000 samples, not a single incidence of Covid-19 has been found in the past seven days.“We are prepared well. We are following Centre’s advisory,” Mohanty was quoted as saying by the media.“JN.1 variant has not been detected in Odisha so far. The government is keeping a watch on the situation and necessary guidelines will be issued if required. In case of detection of such a case, genome sequencing will be carried out,” said director (health services) Bijay Mohapatra.He urged anyone with similar symptoms to have a Covid test. According to Mohapatra, the state has enough hospital beds and infrastructure to handle patient care.Up to 21 cases of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been found nationwide thus far, according to Dr. V K Paul, an NITI Aayog member (Health).(With agency inputs)