New Delhi: India’s COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise, with the Union Health Ministry reporting 6,491 active cases as of June 6th. This resurgence follows a period of relatively low infection rates, raising concerns amongst health officials. Kerala remains the most affected state, reporting 1,957 active cases, significantly higher than Gujarat (980), West Bengal (747), and Delhi (728).
The dominant variant driving this increase is JN.1, a highly transmissible strain accounting for over half of the current infections. While the majority of cases are mild and hospitalisations remain low, the government is taking proactive measures. Increased surveillance, enhanced testing capabilities, and improved hospital preparedness are being implemented to manage the situation effectively. On June 5th, facility-level mock drills were carried out across the country to assess the readiness of healthcare facilities to handle a potential surge in cases.
A key focus of the government’s response is on protecting vulnerable populations. This includes the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity), immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and unvaccinated children under five. These groups are advised to exercise caution by wearing masks in public, avoiding crowded places, staying home when feasible, and maintaining good hand hygiene.
Although the current situation does not indicate a repeat of previous pandemic levels, health authorities emphasise the need for constant monitoring. The JN.1 variant, being a new mutation, requires vigilant tracking to understand its long-term behaviour and potential impact. The government’s precautionary measures aim to minimise the spread of the virus and mitigate potential risks.
