New Delhi: India saw 605 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours as of Wednesday (January 10) morning, government data said.

There were 3,643 active cases as of 8 am on Wednesday, representing a net decrease of 276 cases since Tuesday.

Four people – two in Karnataka and Kerala each – died of the disease.

West Bengal reported the highest net addition of active cases since Tuesday at 24, with 27 new cases reported and 3 cases being discharged.

Karnataka reported the highest number of new cases since Tuesday at 252, but discharged 441 cases in the same time period, resulting in a net decrease of 191 active cases in 24 hours.

The total number of active COVID-19 cases is highest in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala at 1,031, 891 and 723 cases respectively.

Last week, the US's Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that the JN.1 subvariant of the COVID-19 virus was the most prevalent globally.

“It is the dominant variant in Europe and is rising sharply in Asia,” the public health agency also said.

The WHO said last month that JN.1, which descends from the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, was a variant of concern owing to its “rapidly increasing spread” globally.

“Considering the available, yet limited evidence, the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low at the global level,” it added.

Some state governments in India have advised people, including senior citizens, to wear face masks in public places or when necessary.

The Union government issued an advisory to state governments last month concerning the uptick in COVID-19 cases.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.