COVID-19 Update: India records 260 new cases, total active at 1,828

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coronavirus), with active cases rising to 1,828, as per the latest data from the Union Health Ministry on December 18. The death toll reached 5,33,317 according to the 8 am update. Further, India's total COVID-19 cases count stands at 4.50 crore (4,50,05,076).

And recoveries have increased to 4,44,69,931, bringing the national recovery rate to 98.81 percent, as stated on the health ministry's website. The case fatality rate remains at 1.19 percent. Also Read | Karnataka News: Govt makes wearing face masks mandatory amid Covid sub-variant JN.1 scare in neighbouring Kerala The ministry's website indicates that 220.67 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the country to date.

The central government has written to states and union territories (UTs), urging them to maintain "continuous vigilance" in light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the identification of the first instance of the new JN.1 variant in Kerala. In a letter, Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant highlighted the need for sustained efforts. He acknowledged collaborative actions between the Centre and state governments, to successfully maintain low rates of COVID-19 transmission.

However, Pant emphasised the necessity to continue proactive measures due to the virus's continued circulation and its adaptation to Indian weather conditions and other prevailing pathogens. Also Read: 'Report symptoms, increase testing': Govt advisory amid Covid spike, new JN.1 variant States such as Kerala have recently reported a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, as noted by Pant. The first case of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 was detected in Kerala on December 8, adding to the concerns regarding the evolving situation.