During his visit to Patiala Rajindra Hospital, the Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh confirmed that there have been no reported cases of the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus in the state. Despite the increasing prevalence of the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 across the nation, Punjab has registered only 30 infections since November 1, with a single fatality reported on December 20.
The origins of these positive cases, whether linked to the sub-variant JN.1, are still being investigated, according to an expert. Presently, Punjab registers only three active COVID cases — one each from Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Hoshiarpur.
Dr. Rajiv Bhaskar, the nodal officer for COVID-19 cases in Punjab, explained to The Daily Guardian, “To conduct genome sequencing to identify the sub-variant type, we require a minimum of 92 positive case samples.
However, we’ve had fewer than 30 samples since November. Consequently, determining the specific variant causing COVID in Punjab is a process that will take some time.”
On December 20, a 60-year-old woman from Hariana Bhunga village in Hoshiarpur district succumbed to COVID-19 along with other underlying health conditions. She was admitted to a Jalandhar hospital on December 15 due to breathing difficulties, she tested positive on December 17.
Health authorities noted that she also suffered from severe type 2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Dr. Bhaskar further added, “The specifics of her sub-variant are still pending confirmation.”
“Within December, Punjab reported 18 positive cases, and between December 19 and 23, about five more positive patients were identified. The situation is currently well-managed. We are averaging 3-4 positive cases weekly. In November, approximately 12 COVID-positive cases were recorded. Vigilance is crucial, there is no cause for alarm,” he said.
He advised individuals experiencing symptoms like cough, sore throat, or fever to undergo testing. If positive, isolating for 5-7 days is recommended. Patients with underlying conditions, however, must remain vigilant and seek appropriate care.
The Punjab Health Department ceased its daily COVID reports after August 8, 2023, adhering to WHO guidelines, as per health authorities. In May, the WHO had declassified COVID-19 as a global public health emergency.
As of August 8, Punjab had reported 7,93,636 COVID-19 cases and 20,568 related deaths since the pandemic’s onset in March 2020.
“We’ve consistently reported no more than 20-25 positive COVID cases monthly in Punjab for several months, sometimes even less.
Therefore, from August 8 onwards, total positive cases shouldn’t exceed 100 to date. A report is expected soon,” revealed a health department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
