00:00 India on Thursday reported 358 new COVID-19 cases, with six deaths in the last 24 hours,
00:09 the Union Health Ministry data said.
00:11 Out of 358, Kerala has recorded 300 fresh cases.
00:16 It is followed by Karnataka 13, Tamil Nadu 12, Gujarat 11, Maharashtra 10 and Telangana
00:21 5.
00:23 However, the active cases in Kerala have now surpassed 2,000, according to the released
00:28 data, the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 5,33,327.
00:33 Similarly, the fresh infections were mainly reported from Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat,
00:38 Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
00:40 The number of people who have recuperated from the disease increased to 4,44,70,576
00:46 and the national recovery rate was pegged at 98.81%, according to the Health Ministry's
00:51 website.
00:53 The surge in COVID-19 cases and fatalities across various regions prompted the Union
00:57 Health Ministry to conduct a review meeting on Wednesday.
00:59 Chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavya, the meeting underscored the importance
01:03 of vigilance and readiness against new and evolving strains of COVID-19.
01:07 Mandavya emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts between the central and state authorities
01:12 to ensure effective virus management.
01:14 Advocating for regular mock trials at both levels in the exchange of best practices,
01:18 he urged proactive measures.
01:20 States have received directives to closely monitor emerging evidence related to COVID-19
01:25 cases, symptoms and case severity, facilitating informed and targeted public health responses.
01:31 India has confirmed 21 cases of the new JN.1 coronavirus variant across the country, according
01:36 to Dr. V.K.
01:37 Paul, Niti Aayog member on Wednesday.
01:40 Despite this, he emphasized that there is no cause for panic as available treatments
01:44 are effective and the infection tends to be mild.
01:47 Paul highlighted that viruses naturally mutate and the scientific community in India is closely
01:51 studying the new variant.
01:53 He stressed the importance of states increasing testing and strengthening surveillance systems.
01:58 Approximately 91-92% of those infected are choosing home-based treatment.
02:02 In response to the new variant, several states, including West Bengal, are proactively enhancing
02:06 preparedness and surveillance systems to address potential scenarios.
02:10 The West Bengal Health Department in particular will continue its surveillance of influenza-like
02:14 illness and severe acute respiratory infections cases in alignment with central guidelines.
02:20 Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel also advised people to remain vigilant and not
02:25 panic and said the state currently has 13 active COVID cases.
02:29 Similarly, Delhi Health Minister Sourabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday asserted that the city government
02:33 is totally alert to tackle the issue and it will ramp up genome surveillance.
02:37 Bharadwaj said that oxygen cylinders, ventilator beds and other requirements are being reviewed
02:42 again.
02:43 [Music]
