The central government has recommended that all states enforce stricter public health measures to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus, in response to an increase in cases in certain states, notably Kerala.
The initial instance of a newly identified sub-type of Covid-19, JN.1, was found on December 8 in the southern state. This has sparked worries about a renewed health threat, occurring over two years following India’s previous pandemic-induced lockdown.
The recently emerged JN.1 variant (BA.2.86.1.1) is seen as a descendant of a sub-variant of Omicron, with a strong ability to bypass immunity acquired from previous vaccination or infection.
