Covid-19 Task Force in Maharashtra warns of possible spread during New Year’s Celebrations, Asks civic bodies to remain alert 

Pune: Maha Covid-19 Task Force urges vigilance during New Year Celebrations amidst JN.1 Sub-lineage concerns

The newly-formed Maharashtra Covid-19 task force has directed local bodies to closely monitor the potential spread of the virus during New Year festivities, especially with the emergence of the highly transmissible JN.1 sub-lineage of Omicron. 

Dr Bhagwan Pawar, health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said that they have been asked not to panic but to continue surveillance of severe acute respiratory illness and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases. “There is no need to panic as most of the JN.1 patients reported in other countries are being treated through home isolation. We will monitor the spread of Covid cases during the festive season,”

With 10 reported cases in the state and a likely spike during celebrations, health experts warned against the risk of Covid-19 transmission. 

Health Minister Tanaji Sawant conducted a meeting with local bodies, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and public awareness. 

The task force aims to release detailed guidelines within a week to address the new challenges posed by this sub-variant. 

Local bodies are instructed to monitor case surges until January 10, 2024, with a focus on increased testing, availability of medicines, and oxygen. 

Dr Pawar said, “We have been asked to increase the number of daily swab samples taken for testing,” 

The public is urged to avoid unnecessary gatherings, considering the sub-variant’s potential to spread rapidly.

Meanwhile, The total number of active cases of COVID-19 in India stood at 4,093 with Kerala emerging as the largest contributor. Goa reported the largest single-day spike in COVID-19 JN.1 subvariant cases.

Maharashtra has reported 10 cases of the highly transmissible JN.1, a new sub-lineage of Omicron.