Instructions regarding the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant were issued by Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, following the identification of variant patients in Kerala. The state has been directed to conduct genome sequencing (virus tests), and continuous monitoring of patients with ILI and respiratory diseases presenting at medical institutions has been mandated. Instructions were given to take samples for testing as needed, and the daily upload of patient information on the IHIP portal was emphasised.
In a review meeting on COVID-19, ILI, and SARI diseases, held at the Government Secretariat, the Additional Chief Secretary, along with Director Public Health Dr Ravi Prakash Mathur, Additional Director Rural Health Ravi Prakash Sharma, and representatives of the Microbiology Department of SMS Medical College, discussed the preparedness and preventive measures. The meeting confirmed that as of now, no patients with the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant, identified in Kerala, have been reported in the state.
The Additional Chief Secretary stressed the need for a proactive approach and instructed to ensure the availability of necessary medical resources, including isolation beds, oxygen beds, ICU beds, ventilators, medicines, and testing facilities, in all medical institutions. She also directed the Joint Director-Zone,
Chief Medical and Health Officer, and the IDSP team to monitor SARI patients with ILI. This monitoring facility has currently been established in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota.
