After new variant detected in Kerala, hospitals told to step up Covid screening

Haryana health department reviews Covid-19 cases in Kerala and the emergence of JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of BA.2.86 lineage. No indication of increased severity from JN.1 compared to other variants. Hospitals directed to screen for ILI and SARI symptoms, conduct genome sequencing, and upload data on IDSP portal. Rapid response teams to survey districts for breathing difficulties, travel history, and contact with fever and flu patients. No evidence of JN.1 causing more severe illness than other variants.