On December 20, Kerala reported 300 new active cases of COVID-19 along with 3 deaths, as per info from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

The total number of active cases in the state stands at 2,669.

Insights from Kerala-based Health Expert:

In response to rising concerns over the new variant of the Coronavirus, a health expert in Kerala stated that COVID-19, like other infectious diseases, cannot be completely eradicated. 

Dr. Sreejith N Kumar emphasized that while the disease has not been eradicated, the strike rate has reduced, and mortality rates are not as high. He likened Covid-19 to common influenza or a cold.

Union Health Minister’s Meeting on COVID-19 Preparedness:

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired a high-level meeting to review India’s COVID-19 situation and public health system preparedness. 

Considering the recent spike in cases in some states and the emergence of new strains, Mandaviya urged states to remain alert, increase surveillance, and ensure adequate medical supplies.

WHO’s Call for Continued Surveillance and Sequence Sharing:

Amid the surge in respiratory diseases and the emergence of the new JN.1 Covid sub-variant, the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted the evolving nature of the virus. 

WHO encouraged member states to maintain strong surveillance, regularly share genetic sequences, and monitor the situation.