640 new Covid-19 cases
India on Friday recorded a single day rise of 640 new Covid-19 cases, while the active cases have increased to 2,997. The death toll was recorded at 5,33,328 with one death reported from Kerala in a span of 24 hours, according to latest data shared by the Union health ministry.
Deaths reported mostly among people with serious illness
Top officials in the health ministry said the Covid deaths are being reported mostly among people suffering from serious illness. “Covid-19 isn’t causing severe symptoms or deaths, as per the available data. Most people who are testing positive for the disease have mild symptoms only and they are recovering at home,” said an official.
No plans to issue any travel advisory
An official said that the central government has no plans to issue any travel advisory yet or to make RT-PCR mandatory at the airports - as was done earlier during the previous peaks in Covid-19 cases in the first, second or the third wave of the pandemic.
Karnataka govt mulling to enforce guidelines for schools
Karnataka health department authorities are contemplating enforcing guidelines for school children in Karnataka in the wake of a spurt in the number of Covid cases. The department is closely monitoring the situation in schools and is contemplating implementing guidelines in the first week of January, according to sources. (IANS)
Current surge in Covid due to JN.1 sub-variant
It is suspected that the current surge in Covid-19 cases is being caused by the spread of JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of BA.2.86 or Pirola variant, which has been reported in the US, China, Singapore, and several other countries.
JN.1 reported in multiple countries
JN.1 continues to be reported in multiple countries, and its prevalence has been rapidly increasing globally and now represents the vast majority of BA.2.86 descendant lineages reported to GISAID.
JN.1 a separate variant of interest (VOI)
Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86,” the UN health body said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Christmas souvenirs sale in Bengaluru amid Covid surge
People crowd to buy Christmas decorations at a stall outside a church in Bengaluru. (AP photo)
Cases may surge in winter season
It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season. (AP photo)
Mask back in Bengaluru as Covid cases spiral
Devotees, some wearing face masks as a precaution, pray at a church ahead of Christmas in Bengaluru. (AP photo)
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