There are currently no plans to mandate RT-PCR testing for Covid-19 at airports for travelers, according to sources in the health ministry on Thursday. Despite the surge in Covid cases in India, particularly driven by the JN.1 subvariant, officials revealed that there are no immediate intentions to implement either a mask mandate or travel restrictions between states experiencing an increase in Covid cases.
Over the last two weeks, the country has witnessed 22 deaths due to Covid-19, with most of the deceased individuals found to have comorbidities. India has detected 21 cases of the JN.1 variant, which the World Health Organization has labeled a “variant of interest.” Additionally, officials clarified that, at present, there is no government push for mandatory vaccination. On Thursday, India reported 594 fresh cases, with the number of active cases rising from 2,311 to 2,669 since the previous day, as per ministry data. The death toll reached 5,33,327, with six more people succumbing to Covid-19—three from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Punjab. NITI Aayog member (health) Dr. V K Paul emphasized that the scientific community in India is closely investigating the new variant, and states and UTs should enhance testing efforts. Despite the increasing number of cases, officials noted that there is no immediate cause for concern, as 92 percent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment, indicating mild illness.
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