The after effects of covid-19 which still continue to impact a large section of patients who were infected by the virus and more so a study reveals Indians are the worst hit more than people who have faced the infection in China or Europe. Watch to know more!

Indians worst hit by Covid19 after-effects: Study

Recent research from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, uncovers concerning findings about long-term lung damage in Indian Covid survivors. Even after recovery, many patients face lingering symptoms and impaired lung function for months.

Covid study: Indians suffer more lung damage post recovery, worst-hit by Covid after-effects

The latest data released by the World Health Organisation suggests that the real Covid death figures might be three times the reported number. Till now, the official data has reported over 7 million fatalities from the beginning of the pandemic.

Covid19: Global death toll may be triple the reported deaths; countries didn't report toll correctly

Scholars have examined early Covid-19 and contested an established theory of the pandemic's origin. Two statis-ticians from Germany and Hong-Kong declared that the conclusion about the origins of the virus from Wuhan is invalid. Watch to know more!

Wuhan epicentre of Covid?: Researchers debunk early Covid epicentre claim

Scholars have examined early covid-19 and contested an established theory of the pandemic's origin. Two statis-ticians from Germany and Hong-Kong declared that the conclusion about the origins of the virus from Wuhan is invalid. Watch to know more!

Wuhan market: Researchers debunk early covid epicentre claim

China and Thailand have just inked a historic agreement, waiving visa requirements to enhance travel and tourism. This move comes as a crucial step in reviving the tourism industry, which suffered a severe blow due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

China’s growing  role in reviving tourism in Thailand

<p>Australia have included all-rounder Cameron Green in the playing XI for the second Test against West Indies which started on Thursday (Jan 25) at Brisbane despite him being COVID-19 positive. The all-rounder and the head coach Andrew McDonald had tested positive for the coronavirus a day before the start of the second Test at the Gabba. Apart from them, Travis Head was also tested for the virus but the results were negative for him.</p>

<p>“Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols,” Cricket Australia said in a statement, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indias-sruyakumar-yadav-named-icc-t20i-cricketer-of-the-year-for-second-time-in-a-row-683411">India's Suryakumar Yadav named ICC T20I cricketer of the year for second time in a row</a></p>

<p>At the toss, Green was also standing separately from the team due to&nbsp;COVID-19. Cricket Australia also posted a picture of him standing at a distance from the team with the caption: "Cameron Green socially distancing at the national anthem - because he's Covid positive!" Have a look at the post below:</p>

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<p>As for the match, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. The batting side, however, didn't have the greatest of starts as they lost quick wickets. Josh Hazlewood was the first one to take the wicket for Australia as he sent back West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite. Soon, the visitors were five down and Mitchell Starc took three wickets.</p>

<p>On the course of his three-wicket haul, Starc also reached 350 Test wickets - becoming only the fifth bowler from the country to reach the milestone. Shane Warne tops the list for most wickets with 708 scalps to his name for Australia. Second on the list is Glenn McGrath with 563 wickets to his name. Nathan Lyon (512) and Dennis Lillee (355) are the next two bowlers with the most wickets ahead of Starc for Australia in Tests.&nbsp;</p>


Australia have included all-rounder Cameron Green in the playing XI for the second Test against West Indies which started on Thursday (Jan 25) at Brisbane despite him being COVID-19 positive.

Australia have included all-rounder Cameron Green in the playing XI for the second Test against West Indies which started on Thursday (Jan 25) at Brisbane despite him being COVID-19 positive. The all-rounder and the head coach Andrew McDonald had tested positive for the coronavirus a day before the start of the second Test at the Gabba. Apart from them, Travis Head was also tested for the virus but the results were negative for him. “Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols,” Cricket Australia said in a statement, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald. Also Read: India's Suryakumar Yadav named ICC T20I cricketer of the year for second time in a row At the toss, Green was also standing separately from the team due to COVID-19. Cricket Australia also posted a picture of him standing at a distance from the team with the caption: "Cameron Green socially distancing at the national anthem - because he's Covid positive!" Have a look at the post below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) × As for the match, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. The batting side, however, didn't have the greatest of starts as they lost quick wickets. Josh Hazlewood was the first one to take the wicket for Australia as he sent back West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite. Soon, the visitors were five down and Mitchell Starc took three wickets. On the course of his three-wicket haul, Starc also reached 350 Test wickets - becoming only the fifth bowler from the country to reach the milestone. Shane Warne tops the list for most wickets with 708 scalps to his name for Australia. Second on the list is Glenn McGrath with 563 wickets to his name. Nathan Lyon (512) and Dennis Lillee (355) are the next two bowlers with the most wickets ahead of Starc for Australia in Tests.

Covid-positive Cameron Green in playing XI for Australia in second Test against West Indies

The holiday is upon us and it is time to make merry but there are familiar concerns that are creeping back. There is talk about masking, restrictions and preventive measures after the detection of a new Covid-19 strain JN.1. Vikram Chandra speaks to Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi about prevention, symptoms and vaccines.

Covid-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story

<p>The Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomed 6.3 million visitors last year, its management company said Friday, more than came in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Last year's visitor numbers -- up eight per cent year-on-year -- were juiced by events to honour its designer Gustave Eiffel 100 years after his death, the SETE operating company said in a statement.</p>

<p>The tower also added new offerings such as guided tours and celebrity chef-cooked meals in its luxury restaurant.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Italy, France &amp; Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen</strong></p>

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<p>France's "Iron Lady" boasted up to seven million visits in 2014 and 6.2 million five years later.</p>

<p>It was closed during the country's first pandemic lockdown from March to June 2020 and again from October 2020 to July 2021.</p>

<p>The largest contingent of Eiffel Tower visitors, at 18.9 per cent of the total, came from France, followed by North Americans at 18 percent -- with 13.2 percent coming from the United States alone.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-rafales-95-member-foreign-legion-contingent-to-feature-at-indias-republic-day-681641">French Rafales, 95-member Foreign Legion contingent to feature at India's Republic Day</a></strong></p>

<p>Non-French Europeans accounted for 44 percent, with the largest numbers coming from Germany, Britain and Spain.</p>

<p>And last year's Rugby World Cup brought increased visits from countries in Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand.</p>

<p>Paris's major museums, another of the French capital's top attractions, also returned to pre-Covid visitor numbers or even set new records last year.</p>


The Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomed 6.3 million visitors last year, its management company said Friday, more than came in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year's visitor numbers -- up eight per cent year-on-year -- were juiced by events to honour its designer Gustave Eiffel 100 years after his death, the SETE operating company said in a statement.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomed 6.3 million visitors last year, its management company said Friday, more than came in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year's visitor numbers -- up eight per cent year-on-year -- were juiced by events to honour its designer Gustave Eiffel 100 years after his death, the SETE operating company said in a statement. The tower also added new offerings such as guided tours and celebrity chef-cooked meals in its luxury restaurant. Watch | Italy, France & Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen × France's "Iron Lady" boasted up to seven million visits in 2014 and 6.2 million five years later. It was closed during the country's first pandemic lockdown from March to June 2020 and again from October 2020 to July 2021. The largest contingent of Eiffel Tower visitors, at 18.9 per cent of the total, came from France, followed by North Americans at 18 percent -- with 13.2 percent coming from the United States alone. Also Read | French Rafales, 95-member Foreign Legion contingent to feature at India's Republic Day Non-French Europeans accounted for 44 percent, with the largest numbers coming from Germany, Britain and Spain. And last year's Rugby World Cup brought increased visits from countries in Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand. Paris's major museums, another of the French capital's top attractions, also returned to pre-Covid visitor numbers or even set new records last year.

Eiffel Tower topped pre-Covid visitor numbers in 2023

Health authorities in China warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1, and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring.

China warns of Covid rebound this month driven by JN.1 subvariant

<p>Health authorities in China on Sunday (Jan 14) warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month&nbsp;driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1, and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring.</p>

<p>"Influenza viruses are expected to remain the dominant pathogen," Wang Dayan, head of the Chinese National Influenza Center, told reporters. Wang attributed the JN.1's rise to several factors including imported cases, lower influenza rates and declining population immunity.</p>

<p>As per the CGTN report, the top health official advised that high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly should prioritise annual influenza vaccination and maintain health habits.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-during-holidays-who-says-nearly-10000-died-due-to-cases-fueled-by-new-variant-679008">COVID-19 during holidays: WHO says nearly 10,000 died due to cases fueled by new variant</a></strong></p>

<p>Wang further stressed it was important to understand that contracting one type of respiratory illness did not guarantee immunity against others in the short term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 as a variant of interest and said current evidence showed that the risk to public health was low from this strain of Covid.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Covid killed 10,000 globally in December : World Health Organization</strong></p>

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<p>Last week, Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told the news agency Reuters that low vaccination rates against the latest versions of Covid and influenza were putting pressure on healthcare systems this winter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Too many people are in need of serious medical care for flu, for Covid, when we can prevent it,” Van Kerkhove said. She cited “incredibly low” vaccination rates against flu and Covid in many countries this season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-long-covid-shouldnt-undertake-intense-exercise-study-676565">People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters reported that in recent weeks, there have been reports of rising hospitalisations linked to respiratory infections in the United States, several European countries, and other parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the WHO, the world reported 850,000 new Covid cases and 118,000 new hospitalisations in Dec last year, a rise from Nov of 52 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Health authorities in China on Sunday (Jan 14) warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.

Health authorities in China on Sunday (Jan 14) warned of a potential resurgence of Covid this month driven by the JN.1 subvariant. According to a report by CGTN, the National Health Commission (NHC) highlighted the increasing presence of JN.1, and said that multiple respiratory diseases were likely to spread this winter and next spring. "Influenza viruses are expected to remain the dominant pathogen," Wang Dayan, head of the Chinese National Influenza Center, told reporters. Wang attributed the JN.1's rise to several factors including imported cases, lower influenza rates and declining population immunity. As per the CGTN report, the top health official advised that high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children and the elderly should prioritise annual influenza vaccination and maintain health habits. Also read | COVID-19 during holidays: WHO says nearly 10,000 died due to cases fueled by new variant Wang further stressed it was important to understand that contracting one type of respiratory illness did not guarantee immunity against others in the short term. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 as a variant of interest and said current evidence showed that the risk to public health was low from this strain of Covid. Also watch | Covid killed 10,000 globally in December : World Health Organization × Last week, Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's interim director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told the news agency Reuters that low vaccination rates against the latest versions of Covid and influenza were putting pressure on healthcare systems this winter. “Too many people are in need of serious medical care for flu, for Covid, when we can prevent it,” Van Kerkhove said. She cited “incredibly low” vaccination rates against flu and Covid in many countries this season. Also read | People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study Reuters reported that in recent weeks, there have been reports of rising hospitalisations linked to respiratory infections in the United States, several European countries, and other parts of the world. As per the WHO, the world reported 850,000 new Covid cases and 118,000 new hospitalisations in Dec last year, a rise from Nov of 52 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

China warns of potential resurgence of Covid driven by JN.1 subvariant

H1N1 also known as the Swine Flu has symptoms similar to Covid 19. Cases of Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 & influenza are on the rise in India's capital. Watch to know more!

India: New Delhi witnessing surge in influenza cases compounded by H1N1

The spread of JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 is causing concern in UK, confirming the presence of the varinat in the UK. Health Secretary has expressed over the alarming rise in the cases.

UK Covid: Experts warn of another Covid wave in the UK by next week | World News | WION

<p>As respiratory viruses, including flu and the dreaded COVID-19 rise in the United States, New York City has reintroduced indoor mask requirements at all public hospitals.</p>

<p>The mandate, as per ABC News, applies to 11 hospitals, 30 health centres and five long-term care facilities run by NYC Health + Hospitals.</p>

<h2><strong>Mask mandate</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Ashwin Vasan, New York City's health commissioner, says the mask mandate is only for the areas where patients are being treated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monkeys-started-using-stone-tools-when-covid-stopped-tourist-inflow-study-673742">Monkeys on Thai island started using stone tools when Covid stopped tourist inflow: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that while none of the hospitals are currently overwhelmed&nbsp;and are handling the recent rise in the number of patients well, the mask mandate will help protect the hospital staff from falling sick.</p>

<p>New York's mask guidelines come as hospitals in at least six other US states &nbsp;— California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin — have put in place similar masking mandates.</p>

<h2><strong>Cases in New York and the US</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report citing the New York State Department of Health, during the week ending on Dec 23, hospitalisations in New York rose from 653 to 696.</p>

<p>The same week, across the United States, there were 29,059 new weekly admissions due to COVID-19, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the seventh consecutive week of rising numbers and also the highest figure reported in almost a year — since late January 2023.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/get-rid-of-toxic-air-indoors-if-you-want-to-boost-your-creativity-suggests-study-675008">Get rid of toxic air indoors if you want to boost your creativity, suggests study</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, 14,732 new hospital admissions across America were linked to influenza in the same week. This is almost a 50 per cent jump&nbsp;from the previous week's 9,930 cases, CDC data shows.</p>

<p>Respiratory infections like pertussis or whooping cough are also on the rise, with 108 cases reported in Suffolk County, New York. While there are no known hospitalisations, as per a Suffolk County Department of Health Services press release, this outbreak is mainly among vaccinated children and their parents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As respiratory viruses, including flu and the dreaded COVID-19 rise in the United States, New York City has reintroduced indoor mask requirements at all public hospitals.

As respiratory viruses, including flu and the dreaded COVID-19 rise in the United States, New York City has reintroduced indoor mask requirements at all public hospitals. The mandate, as per ABC News, applies to 11 hospitals, 30 health centres and five long-term care facilities run by NYC Health + Hospitals. Mask mandate Dr Ashwin Vasan, New York City's health commissioner, says the mask mandate is only for the areas where patients are being treated. Also read | Monkeys on Thai island started using stone tools when Covid stopped tourist inflow: Study He said that while none of the hospitals are currently overwhelmed and are handling the recent rise in the number of patients well, the mask mandate will help protect the hospital staff from falling sick. New York's mask guidelines come as hospitals in at least six other US states — California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin — have put in place similar masking mandates. Cases in New York and the US As per the report citing the New York State Department of Health, during the week ending on Dec 23, hospitalisations in New York rose from 653 to 696. The same week, across the United States, there were 29,059 new weekly admissions due to COVID-19, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks the seventh consecutive week of rising numbers and also the highest figure reported in almost a year — since late January 2023. Also read | Get rid of toxic air indoors if you want to boost your creativity, suggests study Additionally, 14,732 new hospital admissions across America were linked to influenza in the same week. This is almost a 50 per cent jump from the previous week's 9,930 cases, CDC data shows. Respiratory infections like pertussis or whooping cough are also on the rise, with 108 cases reported in Suffolk County, New York. While there are no known hospitalisations, as per a Suffolk County Department of Health Services press release, this outbreak is mainly among vaccinated children and their parents. (With inputs from agencies)

Mask mandate reinstated in New York City hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise

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<p>A study has suggested that people with long Covid should not undertake intense exercise as it damages their muscles and worsens metabolism. The study, published in the journal <strong><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44432-3#Sec2">Nature Communications</a></strong> on Thursday (Jan 4) said,&nbsp;"A distinctive symptom of patients with long Covid is post-exertional malaise, which is associated with a worsening of fatigue- and pain-related symptoms after acute mental or physical exercise, but its underlying pathophysiology is unclear."</p>

<p>The study involved 25 patients with long Covid who reported experiencing malaise after exercising, and 21 people who were infected by the virus but made a full recovery. None of the participants had been hospitalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We obtained blood and skeletal muscle biopsies before and after a maximal exercise test with the aim to study the biological factors contributing to the limited exercise capacity and post-exertional malaise in long Covid. Results were compared with those obtained from 21 age- and sex-matched controls who fully recovered from a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection," the study added.</p>

<h2><strong>The findings</strong></h2>

<p>The study's findings showed that people with long Covid had a lower exercise capacity than healthy participants. "All long Covid patients experienced post-exertional malaise following maximal exercise, despite considerable heterogeneity in exercise capacity. Symptoms included muscle pain, greater severity of fatigue, and cognitive symptoms up to 7 days after maximal exercise," the study said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>All the participants performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a cycle ergometer. The maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output were substantially lower in long Covid patients despite marked inter-patient heterogeneity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Patients with long Covid had lower maximal ventilation and lower maximal end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 implying poorer ventilatory function during exercise," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Rob Wüst, an author of the study at VU University Amsterdam said, “It’s really confirming that there is something inside the body going wrong with the disease.”</p>

<p>Wüst said the findings partly explained why people with long Covid had a lower capacity for exercise. “It damages your muscles, it worsens your metabolism, and it can explain why you feel muscle pain and fatigue up to weeks after the exercise,” he added.&nbsp;</p>


A study has suggested that people with long Covid should not undertake intense exercise as it damages their muscles and worsens metabolism. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications on Thursday (Jan 4) said, "A distinctive symptom of patients with long Covid is post-exertional malaise, which is associated with a worsening of fatigue- and pain-related symptoms after acute mental or physical exercise, but its underlying pathophysiology is unclear.

A study has suggested that people with long Covid should not undertake intense exercise as it damages their muscles and worsens metabolism. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications on Thursday (Jan 4) said, "A distinctive symptom of patients with long Covid is post-exertional malaise, which is associated with a worsening of fatigue- and pain-related symptoms after acute mental or physical exercise, but its underlying pathophysiology is unclear." The study involved 25 patients with long Covid who reported experiencing malaise after exercising, and 21 people who were infected by the virus but made a full recovery. None of the participants had been hospitalised. "We obtained blood and skeletal muscle biopsies before and after a maximal exercise test with the aim to study the biological factors contributing to the limited exercise capacity and post-exertional malaise in long Covid. Results were compared with those obtained from 21 age- and sex-matched controls who fully recovered from a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection," the study added. The findings The study's findings showed that people with long Covid had a lower exercise capacity than healthy participants. "All long Covid patients experienced post-exertional malaise following maximal exercise, despite considerable heterogeneity in exercise capacity. Symptoms included muscle pain, greater severity of fatigue, and cognitive symptoms up to 7 days after maximal exercise," the study said. Also read: Physical activity and your menstrual cycle: Can workouts affect your period? All the participants performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a cycle ergometer. The maximal oxygen uptake and peak power output were substantially lower in long Covid patients despite marked inter-patient heterogeneity. "Patients with long Covid had lower maximal ventilation and lower maximal end-tidal partial pressure of CO2 implying poorer ventilatory function during exercise," it added. Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Rob Wüst, an author of the study at VU University Amsterdam said, “It’s really confirming that there is something inside the body going wrong with the disease.” Wüst said the findings partly explained why people with long Covid had a lower capacity for exercise. “It damages your muscles, it worsens your metabolism, and it can explain why you feel muscle pain and fatigue up to weeks after the exercise,” he added.

People with long Covid shouldn't undertake intense exercise: Study

Hospitals in at least four US states have reinstated mask mandates amid a rise in cases of Covid, seasonal flu and other respiratory illness. Watch this report to know more.

US: Covid and flu cases on the rise; mask mandates return

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Nepal to destroy 4 million Chinese covid vaccine

<p>In the last week of the year 2023, India recorded a 22 per cent rise in COVID-19 cases, with the tally in the past 24 hours nearing the 850 mark for the first time in seven months.</p>

<p>As per a Times of India report, the surge is driven by the JN.1 sub-variant, which is spreading through the nation. In the southern state of Kerala, the infections may already have peaked, as the state logged the highest counts in the current phase.</p>

<p>Overall numbers remain low and the rise as per reports have been very gradual, however, this could be because of scant testing.</p>

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<p>During the week ending on Saturday, India reported 4,652 fresh Covid cases, up from the 3,818 in the previous week. The number of deaths also saw decline at 29&nbsp; as opposed to 17 recorded last week.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;numbers reported on Sunday, Saturday saw the daily tally rise to 841 — the first time numbers crossed the 800 mark. Additionally, three fatalities were reported. This is the highest since May 18.</p>

<h2><strong>Cases rise across&nbsp;India</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, Kerala logged 3,018 cases, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of India's case load. This week, the numbers witnessed a 24 per cent drop or 2,282 cases. This, as per reports, may indicate that the surge in Kerala may already have peaked.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>However, that's not true for several other states. In Karnataka in the south and Maharashtra in the west, the cases rose significantly — apart from Kerala, daily cases in only these two states have topped 100.</p>

<p>In Karnataka last week, 922 fresh cases have been reported, a three-fold increase from the 309 in the previous week.</p>

<p>In Maharashtra, cases increased six-fold from 103 to 620.</p>

<p>Overall last week, 20 states and Union Terrotories reported COVID-19 cases, more than double the number on December 15.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the last week of the year 2023, India recorded a 22 per cent rise in COVID-19 cases, with the tally in the past 24 hours nearing the 850 mark for the first time in seven months.

In the last week of the year 2023, India recorded a 22 per cent rise in COVID-19 cases, with the tally in the past 24 hours nearing the 850 mark for the first time in seven months. As per a Times of India report, the surge is driven by the JN.1 sub-variant, which is spreading through the nation. In the southern state of Kerala, the infections may already have peaked, as the state logged the highest counts in the current phase. Overall numbers remain low and the rise as per reports have been very gradual, however, this could be because of scant testing. Also read | India sees slight decline in daily Covid tally with 743 new cases During the week ending on Saturday, India reported 4,652 fresh Covid cases, up from the 3,818 in the previous week. The number of deaths also saw decline at 29 as opposed to 17 recorded last week. As per numbers reported on Sunday, Saturday saw the daily tally rise to 841 — the first time numbers crossed the 800 mark. Additionally, three fatalities were reported. This is the highest since May 18. Cases rise across India Last week, Kerala logged 3,018 cases, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of India's case load. This week, the numbers witnessed a 24 per cent drop or 2,282 cases. This, as per reports, may indicate that the surge in Kerala may already have peaked. Also read | India's Delhi-NCR battles dense fog, 'severe' air quality, IMD predicts 'colder' January However, that's not true for several other states. In Karnataka in the south and Maharashtra in the west, the cases rose significantly — apart from Kerala, daily cases in only these two states have topped 100. In Karnataka last week, 922 fresh cases have been reported, a three-fold increase from the 309 in the previous week. In Maharashtra, cases increased six-fold from 103 to 620. Overall last week, 20 states and Union Terrotories reported COVID-19 cases, more than double the number on December 15. (With inputs from agencies)

India logs 22% increase in Covid-19 cases

India has logged 841 new cases of Covid-19, the highest in 227 days, while the number of active cases of the infection have been recorded at 4,309, the health ministry said on Sunday. Maharashtra on Saturday recorded 172 fresh coronavirus cases and zero fatalities, the health department said.

India Covid: New JN.1 sub-variant causes worry, India reports 841 new cases in 24 hours

<p>India saw a single-day surge of 702 COVID-19 cases,&nbsp;with the number of active cases rising to 4,097, the health ministry said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 28).</p>

<p>Six deaths have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours: two from Maharashtra and one each from Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal and Delhi, news agency PTI reported citing health ministry's data updated at 8 am local time.</p>

<p>The country had recorded 752 new cases on Dec 22.</p>

<p>The number of daily cases had fallen to double-digits at the beginning of this month. However, they shot up again after the emergence of a new coronavirus variant and cold weather conditions.</p>

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<h2><strong>Genome sequencing ordered for detection of JN.1 variant, says Delhi health minister</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday said that he has restated directions to carry out genome sequencing of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus in order to detect the JN.1 variant.</p>

<p>He said that the government had accelerated Covid testing with 636 tests conducted on Wednesday. "I have reiterated the directions for genome sequencing of all the positive cases so that the number of cases of new variants can be confirmed. Yesterday, three were confirmed, of which two were of the old Omicron variant and the new one is the JN.1 variant. The good thing is that the patient diagnosed with the new variant, who was hospitalised, has been discharged," he told PTI Video.</p>

<p>He said that four patients were at present admitted to the hospital.</p>

<p>India's capital Delhi, meanwhile, reported its first case of the JN.1 variant.</p>

<p>With this, the total count of COVID-19 cases detected in India since its outbreak in Jan 2020 has reached 4,50,10,944, with an increase of 702 cases in a span of 24 hours.</p>

<p>The total death toll due to coronavirus cases in India has risen to 5,33,346, reflecting an increase of six deaths in the last 24 hours.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India saw a single-day surge of 702 COVID-19 cases, with the number of active cases rising to 4,097, the health ministry said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 28).

India saw a single-day surge of 702 COVID-19 cases, with the number of active cases rising to 4,097, the health ministry said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 28). Six deaths have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours: two from Maharashtra and one each from Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal and Delhi, news agency PTI reported citing health ministry's data updated at 8 am local time. The country had recorded 752 new cases on Dec 22. The number of daily cases had fallen to double-digits at the beginning of this month. However, they shot up again after the emergence of a new coronavirus variant and cold weather conditions. Also read: Actor, DMDK founder-leader Vijayakanth dies after testing positive for Covid Genome sequencing ordered for detection of JN.1 variant, says Delhi health minister Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday said that he has restated directions to carry out genome sequencing of patients who have tested positive for coronavirus in order to detect the JN.1 variant. He said that the government had accelerated Covid testing with 636 tests conducted on Wednesday. "I have reiterated the directions for genome sequencing of all the positive cases so that the number of cases of new variants can be confirmed. Yesterday, three were confirmed, of which two were of the old Omicron variant and the new one is the JN.1 variant. The good thing is that the patient diagnosed with the new variant, who was hospitalised, has been discharged," he told PTI Video. He said that four patients were at present admitted to the hospital. India's capital Delhi, meanwhile, reported its first case of the JN.1 variant. With this, the total count of COVID-19 cases detected in India since its outbreak in Jan 2020 has reached 4,50,10,944, with an increase of 702 cases in a span of 24 hours. The total death toll due to coronavirus cases in India has risen to 5,33,346, reflecting an increase of six deaths in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

India Covid update: 6 deaths, 702 new cases in 24 hours, total active cases at 4,097

In the sudden surge of Covid cases, India recorded a single-day rise of 702 new cases on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said the active caseload in the country now totals 4,097. The Indian state of Kerala has the highest number of cases.

India Covid: New JN.1 sub-variant causes worry, India report 4,097 active cases

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<p>India logged a single-day rise of 116 new COVID-19 cases increasing the number of active cases across the country to 4,170 on Tuesday (Dec 26) morning, according to the data from the Indian ministry of health. Meanwhile, health officials in the Indian state of Karnataka will meet later in the day to discuss measures to be taken to manage the Covid situation in the state.</p>

<h2><strong>COVID-19 update</strong></h2>

<p>While India saw a dip in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, on Tuesday morning, the number of active cases has risen,&nbsp;crossing the 4,100 mark.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>India logged a single-day rise of 628 new COVID-19 cases on Monday (Dec 25) prior to a dip on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from the disease has increased to 4,44,72,153, according to the health ministry data posted at 8:00 am (local time) on December 26.</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in Karnataka</strong></h2>

<p>Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, on Monday, said that the state government’s cabinet sub-committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on further measures to be taken to manage the COVID-19 situation.</p>

<p>“As we increase Covid tests, cases will increase. Our TAC has met yesterday and has held discussions, the cabinet sub-committee which is meeting tomorrow will look into their suggestions or recommendations and decide on what further measures need to be taken,” said Rao.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He also indicated that there are no restrictions imposed as of now but urged people to be cautious and take precautions. “Nowhere in the country or world there is any restriction, despite JN.1 subvariant prevalent everywhere. There are no such guidelines from the central government or the World Health Organisation,” Rao added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state government recently constituted a four-member cabinet sub-committee headed by Rao for COVID-19 management amid an uptick in the number of infections recorded in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka has logged a single-day rise of 92 COVID-19 cases&nbsp;on Tuesday, taking the number of active cases in the state to 436.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>63 JN.1 cases in India</strong></h2>

<p>At least 63 cases of JN.1, the new COVID-19 sub-variant, had been reported across the country, as of&nbsp;Sunday with the highest in the Indian state of Goa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Goa has reported 34 cases of the new Covid subvariant, while nine other cases have been detected in Maharashtra, eight in Karnataka, six in Kerala, four in Tamil Nadu, and two from Telangana, according to the Indian ministry of health.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>However, in an update on Monday, the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said it recorded 34 cases of the JN.1 variant, including three deaths, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Dec 19) announced that it would step up its classification of the new COVID-19 variant JN.1 to a standalone “variant of interest”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India logged a single-day rise of 116 new COVID-19 cases increasing the number of active cases across the country to 4,170 on Tuesday (Dec 26) morning, according to the data from the Indian ministry of health.

India logged a single-day rise of 116 new COVID-19 cases increasing the number of active cases across the country to 4,170 on Tuesday (Dec 26) morning, according to the data from the Indian ministry of health. Meanwhile, health officials in the Indian state of Karnataka will meet later in the day to discuss measures to be taken to manage the Covid situation in the state. COVID-19 update While India saw a dip in the number of daily COVID-19 cases, on Tuesday morning, the number of active cases has risen, crossing the 4,100 mark. ALSO READ | Delhi fog: 30 flights delayed due to poor visibility as fog engulfs city; 5 others diverted to Jaipur India logged a single-day rise of 628 new COVID-19 cases on Monday (Dec 25) prior to a dip on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from the disease has increased to 4,44,72,153, according to the health ministry data posted at 8:00 am (local time) on December 26. Situation in Karnataka Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, on Monday, said that the state government’s cabinet sub-committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on further measures to be taken to manage the COVID-19 situation. “As we increase Covid tests, cases will increase. Our TAC has met yesterday and has held discussions, the cabinet sub-committee which is meeting tomorrow will look into their suggestions or recommendations and decide on what further measures need to be taken,” said Rao. ALSO READ | Active Covid cases in India cross 4,000; fresh infections at 628 He also indicated that there are no restrictions imposed as of now but urged people to be cautious and take precautions. “Nowhere in the country or world there is any restriction, despite JN.1 subvariant prevalent everywhere. There are no such guidelines from the central government or the World Health Organisation,” Rao added. The state government recently constituted a four-member cabinet sub-committee headed by Rao for COVID-19 management amid an uptick in the number of infections recorded in the state. Karnataka has logged a single-day rise of 92 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, taking the number of active cases in the state to 436. 63 JN.1 cases in India At least 63 cases of JN.1, the new COVID-19 sub-variant, had been reported across the country, as of Sunday with the highest in the Indian state of Goa. Goa has reported 34 cases of the new Covid subvariant, while nine other cases have been detected in Maharashtra, eight in Karnataka, six in Kerala, four in Tamil Nadu, and two from Telangana, according to the Indian ministry of health. ALSO READ | Indian Navy set to commission INS Imphal today, seven key facts to note However, in an update on Monday, the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare Services said it recorded 34 cases of the JN.1 variant, including three deaths, reported news agency PTI. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday (Dec 19) announced that it would step up its classification of the new COVID-19 variant JN.1 to a standalone “variant of interest”. (With inputs from agencies)

India logs 116 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; number of active cases rises to 4,170

<p>As the surge in COVID-19 cases grips India once again, propelled by the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr NK Arora, Chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) revealed that&nbsp;there is no necessity for an additional vaccine dose against this subvariant for now.</p>

<p>Dr Arora, however, laid emphasis on the preventive measures against COVID-19 and said, "Prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses."</p>

<p>Addressing concerns about the severity of various Omicron subvariants, Dr Arora reassured that none have demonstrated increased severity.</p>

<p>"Every week you hear something new coming up in different parts and then it spreads all over India. We have identified a large number of subvariants, over 400 subvariants, or mutations of this virus, and fortunately, none of these Omicron variants have really been associated with more severe disease or hospitalisation," he stated.</p>

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<p>Moreover, while highlighting symptoms of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr Arora noted their similarity to other subvariants, including fever, nasal discharge, cough, occasional diarrhoea, and severe body aches, with recovery typically within "two to five days".</p>

<h2><strong>Low hospitalisation rate</strong></h2>

<p>Acknowledging&nbsp;a rise in cases and pointing out at the low hospitalisation rate, he&nbsp;said, "There is no increase in hospitalisation. We see a lot of cases in Kerala, but I must also say that in other states where testing has increased recently, we are seeing a higher number of cases. But there is no increase in hospitalisation or severe disease that requires ventilation or results in deaths."</p>

<p>Despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India, with Kerala reporting the majority, Dr Arora urged vigilance over panic.</p>

<p>"We need to be vigilant, but not panicky at all."</p>

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<p>As per the Indian Health Ministry, the number of active cases in India is currently at 3,742, while four people have died in&nbsp;the last 24-hours.&nbsp;Two were from Kerala state while one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest but the global health body said that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the surge in COVID-19 cases grips India once again, propelled by the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr NK Arora, Chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) revealed that there is no necessity for an additional vaccine dose against this subvariant for now.

As the surge in COVID-19 cases grips India once again, propelled by the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr NK Arora, Chief of the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) revealed that there is no necessity for an additional vaccine dose against this subvariant for now. Dr Arora, however, laid emphasis on the preventive measures against COVID-19 and said, "Prevention is required for all those who are 60 years of age or older, who are likely to have comorbidities, and those who are on drugs that suppress our immunity, like cancer patients. If they have not taken precaution so far, then they are advised to take precaution; otherwise, there is no need for any additional doses." Addressing concerns about the severity of various Omicron subvariants, Dr Arora reassured that none have demonstrated increased severity. "Every week you hear something new coming up in different parts and then it spreads all over India. We have identified a large number of subvariants, over 400 subvariants, or mutations of this virus, and fortunately, none of these Omicron variants have really been associated with more severe disease or hospitalisation," he stated. Also Read | Hijab or no hijab in Karnataka educational institutes? CM Siddaramaiah clarifies his Mysuru speech Moreover, while highlighting symptoms of the JN.1 subvariant, Dr Arora noted their similarity to other subvariants, including fever, nasal discharge, cough, occasional diarrhoea, and severe body aches, with recovery typically within "two to five days". Low hospitalisation rate Acknowledging a rise in cases and pointing out at the low hospitalisation rate, he said, "There is no increase in hospitalisation. We see a lot of cases in Kerala, but I must also say that in other states where testing has increased recently, we are seeing a higher number of cases. But there is no increase in hospitalisation or severe disease that requires ventilation or results in deaths." Despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in India, with Kerala reporting the majority, Dr Arora urged vigilance over panic. "We need to be vigilant, but not panicky at all." Also Read | India: Terrorists gun down retired police officer during mosque prayer in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla As per the Indian Health Ministry, the number of active cases in India is currently at 3,742, while four people have died in the last 24-hours. Two were from Kerala state while one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka. Watch | Afghanistan-Pakistan water sharing dispute: Taliban's dam project in Kunar River × Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest but the global health body said that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

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<p>Recently, a surge in the number of new COVID subvariant JN.1 in India has raised concerns among people. Amidst this, doctors from New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have advised people to not panic and rather remain vigilant.</p>

<p>"People are getting infected by the new sub-variant of COVID-JN.1 in many states of the country. The symptoms of the patients are mild. Therefore, there is no need to panic but the need to remain alert," Dr Neeraj Nischal said.</p>

<p>Dr Nischal, who is an Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, said, "We have been saying this type of ripple will keep on happening. Even during the first and second waves, we predicted that this virus would mutate further and the stage would come where it would become more infectious but at the same time cause less mortality or morbidity."</p>

<p>"So this is, you can say, a fight between the viruses in human beings who are also trying to survive. People are becoming infected but at the same time, it's not causing the problem that its predecessors, like the delta variant, caused," said the doctor.</p>

<p>"The important thing is that we are more aware of this virus and that we know how to deal with it. So if you see cases increasing, that shows that our surveillance system is in place, and we can pick up any new surge or any new variant that is coming into our society. So this should not be a cause for panic. This only shows how well we are prepared now and I think we should be able to handle this in a good way," he added.</p>

<p>Dr Nischal further said, "From the data that is emerging, the new subvariant is not very different from omicron. We are looking into whether the virus is causing similar types of symptoms like coughing, cold, sneezing, fever, and body aches."</p>

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<h2><strong>Doctors probing intensity of infection</strong></h2>

<p>The doctors further said that they were probing if the subvariant was causing serious lung damage, if it was generating the need for oxygen requirements or if the patients needed hospitalisation.</p>

<p>"There are certain pockets in the country where we are witnessing cases, but that cannot be generalised for the country. So it's good. We have a good surveillance system in place and we can contain this disease and that's the most important thing," added the doctor.</p>

<p>"I will not say that we are seeing an increased number of COVID cases in our OPD it's not like that. We do witness a lot of common cold and flu patients this season. So this is a generalised type of respiratory infection that happens during the winter so there is nothing new that we are witnessing at the moment," he said.</p>

<p>"I won't be saying that we are witnessing an increased number of cases or something serious about patients. No, it's the routine cases that we see every winter. That's what we are witnessing now," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Recently, a surge in the number of new COVID subvariant JN.1 in India has raised concerns among people. Amidst this, doctors from New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have advised people to not panic and rather remain vigilant.

Recently, a surge in the number of new COVID subvariant JN.1 in India has raised concerns among people. Amidst this, doctors from New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have advised people to not panic and rather remain vigilant. "People are getting infected by the new sub-variant of COVID-JN.1 in many states of the country. The symptoms of the patients are mild. Therefore, there is no need to panic but the need to remain alert," Dr Neeraj Nischal said. Dr Nischal, who is an Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, said, "We have been saying this type of ripple will keep on happening. Even during the first and second waves, we predicted that this virus would mutate further and the stage would come where it would become more infectious but at the same time cause less mortality or morbidity." "So this is, you can say, a fight between the viruses in human beings who are also trying to survive. People are becoming infected but at the same time, it's not causing the problem that its predecessors, like the delta variant, caused," said the doctor. "The important thing is that we are more aware of this virus and that we know how to deal with it. So if you see cases increasing, that shows that our surveillance system is in place, and we can pick up any new surge or any new variant that is coming into our society. So this should not be a cause for panic. This only shows how well we are prepared now and I think we should be able to handle this in a good way," he added. Dr Nischal further said, "From the data that is emerging, the new subvariant is not very different from omicron. We are looking into whether the virus is causing similar types of symptoms like coughing, cold, sneezing, fever, and body aches." Also read: Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot Doctors probing intensity of infection The doctors further said that they were probing if the subvariant was causing serious lung damage, if it was generating the need for oxygen requirements or if the patients needed hospitalisation. "There are certain pockets in the country where we are witnessing cases, but that cannot be generalised for the country. So it's good. We have a good surveillance system in place and we can contain this disease and that's the most important thing," added the doctor. "I will not say that we are seeing an increased number of COVID cases in our OPD it's not like that. We do witness a lot of common cold and flu patients this season. So this is a generalised type of respiratory infection that happens during the winter so there is nothing new that we are witnessing at the moment," he said. "I won't be saying that we are witnessing an increased number of cases or something serious about patients. No, it's the routine cases that we see every winter. That's what we are witnessing now," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: AIIMS doctors advise people to remain vigilant amid surge in Covid JN.1 cases

The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest" but said it did not pose much threat to public health.

Covid-19 India: 'JN.1 poses low risk at present': WHO

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