On December 20, Kerala reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and three deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The total number of active cases in the country reached 2,669.
Amid concerns about the emergence of the new variant of the Coronavirus, a Kerala-based health expert, Dr. Sreejith N Kumar, stated that COVID-19 is akin to other communicable diseases and cannot be completely eradicated. However, he noted a decline in the strike rate of the disease, stating, “Covid is just like any other communicable disease that cannot be wiped out completely. However, the strike rate of the disease has come down, and the mortality, meaning the people who succumbed to the disease, is not as high as what it used to be. It is now just like any other influenza or any other common cold,” as reported by ANI.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India and assess the public health system’s preparedness for surveillance, containment, and management of the virus. Emphasizing the need to be alert and prepared against new strains, Mandaviya urged all states to increase surveillance and ensure an adequate stock of essential medical supplies.
“It is important to be alert and prepared against new and emerging strains of the COVID-19 virus,” Mandaviya stressed. He called for joint efforts between the Centre and States, suggesting mock drills every three months at both levels to share best practices. The minister also urged states to focus on creating awareness, managing the epidemic, and disseminating factually correct information.
In response to the surge in respiratory diseases and the emergence of the new JN.1 COVID sub-variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the evolving nature of the virus and urged member states to maintain strong surveillance and share sequencing data.
As the situation unfolds, health authorities continue to monitor and adapt strategies to effectively manage the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
