DELHI COVID GUIDELINES

India is experiencing a gradual increase in Coronavirus subvariant JN.1, with 162 confirmed cases so far, despite 798 new cases reported. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (Insacog) held a meeting to review the situation amid the spike in Covid-19 cases and decided to hold another meeting next week to understand the proportion of JN.1 and other sub-variants.

Since January 1, 2023, 137 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in Maharashtra. 70.80 per cent of these deaths have occurred in individuals over 60 years of age, 84 per cent of the deceased had comorbidities, while 16 per cent did not have any comorbidities.

JN.1, a sub-lineage within the Omicron variant, is recognized as the predominant strain in the United States, constituting more than 44% of reported cases. Designated as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO), the increase in cases is under close observation, with particular attention to its swift spread.

In response to the unexpected spike in coronavirus cases across the nation, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has released guidelines for Covid-19 suspected or positive cases that will be reported at hospitals. The director of AIIMS Delhi convened a meeting regarding COVID-19 contingency measures with all hospital department heads.

India reported 702 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, with the active caseload reaching 4,097. Six deaths were recorded during this period. The total COVID-19 cases in India since January 2020 have now surpassed 4.5 million, with 702 new cases reported recently.

The director of AIIMS Delhi convened a meeting with all department heads on Wednesday to discuss contingency measures for COVID-19. During the meeting, topics such as the policy on COVID-19 testing, the allocation of specific areas for positive patients, and protocols for their hospitalization were thoroughly addressed.

Thirty-six cases were detected from Gujarat, 34 from Karnataka, 14 from Goa, nine from Maharashtra, six from Kerala, four each from Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, and two from Telangana, they said. Most of the patients are currently in home isolation, they added.

Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant urged states to implement public health measures amid the upcoming festive season. India recorded 628 new cases, with 4,054 active cases. The JN.1 sub-variant emerged in Luxembourg and is a descendant of the SARS COV2 BA.2.86 lineage.

The Centre has asked states to put in place requisite public health measures and other arrangements to minimise the risk of increase in transmission of the disease by adherence to maintenance of respiratory hygiene. "Ensure effective compliance of the detailed operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategy for Covid-19 as has been shared by the Ministry and Family Welfare," the letter said.

"Adequate number of Covid samples are to be sent for RT-PCR testing, as per guidelines. Genome sequencing of positive RT-PCR samples is to be performed, as per guidelines. And, measures are to be taken for raising community awareness for avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, and wearing masks in crowded and close settings and in hospital premises," an official said.

States have been asked to maintain constant vigil over the situation and report and monitor district-wise cases of severe acute respiratory infection and influenza-like illness. Kerala and some other states have reported a slight increase in Covid cases. On Saturday, the health ministry said a case of JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 was detected in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district.

The projects under the schemes are identified in consultation with the state governments and Union Territory administrations or central agencies, and are subject to adherence to the relevant guidelines, availability of funds and the status of ongoing projects.

US President Joe Biden will adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines set by the CDC during his upcoming visit to India for the G20 Summit and his trip to Vietnam. This decision comes after First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19. President Biden has tested negative for the virus twice and will continue to follow CDC guidelines, which include testing, masking, and monitoring for symptoms. There are no changes to his travel plans, and he will have a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit.

The Health and Family Welfare Department has already issued an advisory, asking people to avoid crowded and poorly-ventilated places. India has logged 10,542 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases have increased to 63,562, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

According to the latest bulletin, in one of these two fatalities, COVID-19 was the primary cause, while in the other, Covid was incidental.

The guidelines came as Gautam Buddh Nagar, adjoining Delhi, registered 114 more positive cases of Covid on Thursday, pushing the tally of active patients across Noida and Greater Noida to 396 -- the highest so far this year, according to official data.

Though there are no Covid related guidelines or mask mandates by the government, about 200 private-run schools in the national capital have already made masks compulsory for students and staff members in view of the rising numbers.

Delhi reported over 1,000 cases in past 24 hours and the positivity rate stood near 24%. Delhi government is reviewing the situation and guidelines for schools will be issued soon, education minister said.

The court however refused to allow DGCA's request to permit the conduct of BAT tests as per pre-COVID protocols i.e. without the doctor and any other paramedic personnel on duty taking the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for COVID-19 prior to joining the duty in the testing area for administering BAT.