India Sees 692 New COVID-19 Cases in 24 Hours, Active Caseload at 4,097: Latest Health Ministry Data

New Delhi, 28-12-2023 : India witnessed 692 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, contributing to a total active caseload of 4,097, as reported by the Union Health Ministry. Additionally, the nation recorded six new deaths during this period, with two in Maharashtra, and one each in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal.

The cumulative COVID-19 cases in India since the onset of the pandemic in January 2020 now stand at 4,50,10,944, marking an increase of 702 cases in the last 24 hours. The total death toll attributed to COVID-19 in India has reached 5,33,346, reflecting an additional six deaths in the same period.

In a notable development, Delhi reported its first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj confirmed this, stating, “Delhi reports the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the three samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1, and two are Omicron.”

The JN.1 sub-variant is descended from the Omicron subvariant known as BA.2.86 or Pirola. It is noteworthy that Kerala reported the first case of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19.

Health Ministry sources indicate that 109 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant have been detected in India until now. However, the World Health Organisation has emphasized that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

Responding to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has issued guidelines for COVID-19 suspected or positive cases to be reported at hospitals. In a meeting with department heads, discussions centered on policies related to COVID-19 testing, areas designated for positive patients, and hospitalization protocols. These measures aim to enhance the preparedness of medical facilities in addressing the evolving COVID-19 scenario in the country.