Omicron

The National Institute of Virology is isolating four new Omicron sub-variants linked to rising Covid cases in India. Genome sequencing indicates JN.1.16 and XFG variants are responsible. While monitoring continues, the severity appears low, with 6,483 active cases as of June 18.

India is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases across states, particularly driven by Omicron variants. Kerala has the highest active cases at 519. Health authorities emphasize vigilance and caution as more cases are reported, including in Noida and Agra.

The surge in COVID cases coincides with detection of new sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, both of which the global author continue to monitor.

Majority of the cases are being reported from Kerala as it logs 335 fresh infections, taking its total active cases to 430. Various state governments have issued advisories, including wearing of masks. Know about JN.1 symptoms, treatment and more

Currently, there are three variants of interest globally which include—XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16 & EG.5, and six other variants are under monitoring.

Scientists say that people in India have developed hybrid immunity (due to vaccination and natural infection), therefore, the present covid variants will not be able to cause hospitalization and severity as it is mild in nature.

The slowdown has caused a corresponding decline in hospital admissions, though experts caution that elderly individuals or those with pre-existing conditions remain susceptible.

On Monday, around 492 new covid cases were reported across the country. The number of active cases reached 7,623 according to the health ministry data.

During the current surge of the pandemic, the peak of cases rose to 13,000 per day, which has declined to 3,325 cases now. The daily positivity rate has also declined to 2.29% from 10%.

India logged 10,542 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased to 63,562