Bhubaneswar: Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, urged Odisha Health Department in view of the COVID-19 surge due to JN.1 sub-variant in the country.
“The testing centre will be increased if required. However, no guideline has been issued making the wearing of face masks mandatory for people, said Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Health Services, Odisha.
Speaking to the media, he said, “So far, no Covid case has been confirmed in Odisha, but the testing is underway. But, as per the directive of the Government of India and international experts, we need to stay alert.”
On the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, he said that more than 98% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are undergoing treatment at their homes.
“We will follow the Centre’s guidelines for the treatment,” he said ruling out the severity of Covid cases in India.
With emergence of JN.1, a sub-variant of the BA 2.86 Omicron strain, the active COVID-19 caseload has increased in the country. The health experts stated that the sub-variant, which is the ‘Variant of Interest’ as per the WHO, is linked to the surge in COVID cases in the United States, Malaysia and Singapore.
As of December 22, 2023, the active cases in India reached 2,997, with maximum number of cases in Kerala.
