COVID-19: India records biggest single-day jump in cases in 7 months

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ET OnlineLast Updated: Dec 23, 2023, 03:36:00 PM IST

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On Saturday, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry, India witnessed a surge of 752 new coronavirus infections in a single day, marking the highest since May 21, 2023. The total number of active cases has now risen to 3,420. The death toll stands at 5,33,332, with four new fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. Among these, two deaths occurred in Kerala, while Rajasthan and Karnataka each recorded one death.

COVID in India: 423 fresh cases reported amid JN.1 variant rise; active infections stand at 3,420

India saw a single-day rise of 752 coronavirus infections, the highest since May 21, 2023, while the active cases have increased to 3,420, showed Union Health Ministry data on Saturday.

The death toll was recorded at 5,33,332 with four new deaths in just one day, two from Kerala, one each in Rajasthan and Karnataka. The country's Covid case tally stood at 4.50 crore (4,50,07,964).

COVID-19 new variant:
A new strain of Covid-19, named JN.1, was first discovered in Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, on December 8. This variant, which is a descendant of Pirola, has now been identified in the US, China, and India. The discovery of this novel strain has sparked interest and raised concerns worldwide.

India has recorded 22 cases of the new variant as of now.

Kerala and Karnataka major contributors:

A multifold spurt in fresh Covid cases was noted in India over the past 24 hours, with Kerala contributing the major chunk of those.

A total of 423 cases were reported of which 266 were from Kerala and 70 from neighbouring Karnataka, Union health ministry data showed.

Two deaths were reported in Kerala while Karnataka has one. The total number of active cases of Covid-19 in the country was recorded at 3,420.

Centre and state preparations:
Centre and State health departments are on alert after observing a rise in COVID-19 cases again in the country. Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh L. Mandaviya chaired a high-level review meeting with every state and Union Territory (UT) due to Covid-19 scare in the country. State health departments have conducted their meetings to review the situation.

Bihar government has recently ordered all districts and hospitals in the state to increase COVID-19 RT-PCR testing with random testing of arrivals at Patna, Gaya and Darbhanga airports.

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In Video: COVID in India: 423 fresh cases reported amid JN.1 variant rise; active infections stand at 3,420