In a significant move to curb the spread of the Covid-19 JN.1 subvariant, the Karnataka government has mandated mask-wearing for specific groups. This directive, announced by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, targets individuals over 60 years of age, those suffering from heart and kidney diseases, and anyone exhibiting symptoms like fever, phlegm, and colds.
The decision comes in response to the detection of the JN.1 subvariant in the neighboring state of Kerala. Notably, India’s overall Covid-19 situation remains largely under control, with a current active caseload of 1,828 as of the latest reports. Nonetheless, the emergence of the JN.1 variant, first identified in the United States in September 2023, has raised concerns, particularly following a related fatality in Kerala.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the evolving nature of the Covid-19 virus and stresses the importance of continued vigilance. Member states are urged to maintain robust surveillance and share sequence data to better track and understand the virus’s mutations.