India's Active Covid Cases Rise Above 4,000; Thane Reports 5 JN.1 Variant Infections

The Union Health Ministry reported a continuous increase in active Covid-19 cases, surpassing the 4,000-mark, with one death reported in Kerala. This surge coincided with a rise in cases of the JN.1 sub-variant across the nation.

In the past 24 hours, the count of active Covid-19 cases rose to 4,054, up from 3,742 the previous day, according to data updated at 8 am.

Kerala, where the Covid sub-variant JN.1 was initially identified, saw the highest surge in active cases, reaching 128 in a single day, pushing the total past 3,000. Additionally, one more fatality in the southern state increased the national death toll to 5,33,334.

Over the same period, 315 individuals recovered from Covid-19, contributing to a total recovery count of 4.44 crore (4,44,71,860).

The national recovery rate stood at 98.81%, with a case fatality rate of 1.18%, as per Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, Thane in Maharashtra reported five JN.1 cases among 20 samples tested since November 30, according to an official speaking to news agency PTI on Sunday. None of the infected patients, including a woman, required hospitalization. The city's active Covid-19 cases totaled 28, with two individuals under hospital care and the others recuperating at home.

India recorded 656 fresh Covid-19 infections and one death on Sunday, contributing to an increase in the active caseload from 3,420 to 3,742.

Despite the surge, the central government assured the public that the current spike in cases wasn't a cause for alarm, emphasizing the need for caution. Individuals with underlying health conditions were advised to wear masks as a preventive measure.

Officials affirmed that no clusters due to the JN.1 variant had been detected in India. All reported cases remained mild, and patients recovered without complications.

JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage and categorized as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organization, has exhibited rapid transmission in recent weeks.