21 cases of new Covid variant confirmed in India

India has so far reported 21 cases of the new coronavirus variant JN.1 from across the country, the government think tank NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said on Wednesday.

Goa has reported 19 cases of the JN.1 variant, and Maharashtra and Kerala one each, sources said.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has reviewed the COVID-19 situation and preparedness of public health systems in view of rising Covid cases in some parts of the country.

“It is important to be on alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of the coronavirus,” Mr Mandaviya said, according to a statement by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

He asked for smooth coordination between the Centre and the states to ensure efficient management of Covid. "Let us undertake mock drills once every three months at both the central and state levels and share best practices," the Health Minister said.

The Health Minister reminded the states that Covid is not over yet, so it is essential for the states to monitor emerging evidences of Covid cases, symptoms, and case severity to plan appropriate public health response.