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Shimla: In a dynamic response to the detection of the new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, in India, the Health Department of Himachal Pradesh has issued an advisory to Chief Medical Officers across the state. The advisory urges immediate testing for anyone displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as cold, fever or cough.
This advisory was revealed to the public by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Medical Officer, Una, who underlined the important role of wearing masks as a preventive measure against the virus.
The advisory strongly recommends that patients experiencing influenza symptoms, respiratory problems including sore throat, runny nose, headache and fever should immediately get an RT-PCR test done. This emphasis on testing is seen as an important step towards controlling the spread of the JN.1 variant.
Official reports indicate that a total of 69 cases of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 have been reported in India so far. Of these, 34 cases, including three deaths, have been identified in Karnataka, of which 20 cases have been reported in Bengaluru. New cases have also been reported in other states like Delhi and Telangana.
Despite the relatively mild symptoms associated with the JN.1 variant, medical professionals at AIIMS have urged the public to maintain vigilance. The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Services Department has echoed this sentiment, urging people to exercise caution, while also confirming that there are currently no prohibitions or guidelines affecting activities or gatherings. As India goes through this new phase of the pandemic, the importance of continued vigilance and cohesion to safety measures like wearing masks and testing cannot be underestimated.
