In Jharkhand, the health department has increased surveillance in public places due to the possibility of a new variant of COVID-19 JN-1. Health Minister Irfan Ansari has instructed officials to take samples of people coming from outside showing symptoms like cough, cold, fever. However, there are no cases in the state.
Jharkhand's health department is on high alert following reports of the new Covid variant JN-1 in several states across the country. State Health Minister Irfan Ansari mentioned that he has consulted with senior department officials. He stated that there have been no reported cases of this variant in Jharkhand, nor is there any concern about it at present. However, he has issued directives to keep a watchful eye on public areas such as airports, railway stations, and bus terminals within the state.
The Health Minister announced that the Health Department team will ensure that individuals arriving from outside exhibiting symptoms like cough, cold, fever, and Covid will have their samples collected for necessary testing. This procedure will commence on Friday.
Minister Ansari, who is a doctor, stated that there is no cause for alarm regarding this Covid variant based on his knowledge. He believes that due to the immunity against Covid that has developed among Indians, this variant is unlikely to have any impact. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 257 Covid-related cases in India from January 1 to May 19, with 164 cases confirmed since May 12.
The government reports that the situation in India is fully managed, with no indication that the new variants are more hazardous or spread more rapidly. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are reporting the highest case numbers. A review by the Ministry of Health and ICMR indicates that the majority of cases are typical, and hospitalization is not necessary. While there is no cause for alarm currently, monitoring efforts have been intensified.