Srinagar, Dec 21: In response to the recent advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry highlighting the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, and an increase in cases in certain regions, the Health Department assures the public of its preparedness and urges citizens not to panic. Spokesperson Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mir Mushtaq people should follow the general precautionary measures.
“We are ready to face any kind of situation, as seen in the previous waves. Precautionary measures are being implemented in hospitals, and people also need to adhere to SOPs,” stated Dr. Mir Mushtaq. He reassured the public that the government remains vigilant, emphasizing their effective management of previous COVID-19 waves.
Dr. Naveed Shah, Head of the Department of Chest Medicine at Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, said that winter tends to bring an increase in Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs). While acknowledging the rise in COVID-19 cases in some countries and in India too the identification of the new JN.1 variant, he emphasized that it is a mild variant causing symptoms such as throat infection and sneezing.
“Although it is a mild variant that can cause throat infection, sneezing, etc. This is not an alarming situation and there is no need to panic. People need to take usual precautionary measures which were followed during Covid-19 in past,” he said.
Dr Naveed said as of now the new variant is not that severe and there would not be much need of hospitalizations.
“There is no need to panic and people need to take precautions. Those people suffering from Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) need be isolated. Precautions are very important. If there is any patient who has respiratory symptoms,” the top pulmonologist said.
The Union Health Ministry on Monday issued an advisory stressing the need for sustained vigilance against Covid-19 despite the World Health Organization’s withdrawal of the PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern) status earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Secretary Health and Medical Education (HME), Bhupinder Kumar took a review of the COVID-19 situation and preparedness of public health system across J&K.
During the meeting, the Secretary directed all stakeholders to take proactive measures to ensure full preparedness to handle any potential scenarios.
Kumar stressed on readiness of all facilities to ensure operational preparedness. He directed the officers to review the availability of medicines and other essential supplies in advance to ensure that everything is in place at the grassroots level should the need arise.
