JN.1 Covid variant: After Karnataka, Chandigarh urges people to wear masks
Hindustan reported on Thursday. The administration made it mandatory for attendants, doctors and other hospital staff to wear masks in hospitals. It also advised people to avoid crowded areas as much as possible.
"Consult doctors even if you have cold or minor viral infection because this will minimise the risk of spreading the disease. The administration has asked people to cooperate with the government and remain alert instead of panicking," the advisory further said, as per the report. Earlier, Karnataka had made masks mandatory for people above the age of 60 years and those with co-morbidities.
"People need not panic. Rather, precautions need to be taken to stay out of the risk zone. People above the age of 60 should compulsorily wear masks in public spaces," Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah said in Bengaluru on Thursday.
The recent upsurge in Covid-19 cases has been blamed on the JN.1 sub-strain, with mild fever and cough being among its most common symptoms. According to officials, the sub-strain is currently said to be prevalent in 36-40 countries. On Thursday, India recorded 594 fresh COVID-19 infections while the number of active cases increased to 2,669 from 2,311 the previous day, according to Union health ministry data.
Kerala was the first state in India to report the JN.1 Covid variant. The Kerala health minister said only one person was infected with the new variant and has also recovered. The state reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and three deaths on December 20, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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