Kerala reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 and 3 deaths on December 20, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, contributing to the country’s total active cases standing at 2,669.
Amid concerns about the new variant of the Coronavirus, a health expert from Kerala emphasized that COVID is akin to any other communicable disease and cannot be completely eradicated. Dr. Sreejith N Kumar stated that while COVID cannot be wiped out entirely, the strike rate of the disease has reduced, and mortality is not as high as before. He likened it to any other influenza or common cold.
In response to the rising cases and concerns over emerging strains, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in India. He urged vigilance and preparedness against new and emerging strains of the virus. Stressing the importance of being alert, Mandaviya called on all states to enhance surveillance and ensure sufficient stocks of essential medical supplies, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, and vaccines.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the need for joint efforts between the Centre and States to efficiently manage COVID-19, proposing mock drills every three months at both levels to share best practices. He urged states to create awareness, manage the epidemic, and disseminate accurate information.
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighting the evolution of the virus and the new JN.1 COVID sub-variant, member states were urged to maintain robust surveillance and share sequences to adapt to the changing nature of the virus.