New Delhi: Amid the uptick in COVID-19 cases once again, health experts suggest that people should consider wearing masks, especially in public places, to contain the spread of the infection.

As of Tuesday, December 19, the number of active cases in the country stood at 1,970 cases, with Kerala accounting for the highest number of infections (89% and 1,749 cases). Karnataka, on the other hand, as of Wednesday, December 20 morning, reported 79 cases, in addition to 44 cases that had come to light on Tuesday, December 19.

Kerala health minister, Veena George, on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with experts and government officials to take stock of the situation. Following the meeting, an advisory was issued calling on the people to mask up in public places whilst making it mandatory at hospitals and among high-risk groups and public health experts, Deccan Herald reported.

The Pinarayi Vijayan government has also confirmed the detection of the new COVID variant, JN.1, in the state Assembly.

While noting that there should be no panic, George told the media that hospital staff, those visiting hospitals, those with serious ailments, and pregnant women should wear masks. It was also resolved in the meeting to conduct Covid-19 tests only on symptomatic patients, George added. However, there are allegations that the restriction on tests seems to be an attempt to keep the number of positive cases low.

According to the Kerala health ministry, 1,957 oxygen beds, 2,454 ICU beds, and 937 ICU ventilators have been kept ready. An online mock drill involving 1,192 government and private hospitals was also done between December 13 and 16, George added.

She identified upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, the Sabarimala pilgrimage, and some scheduled political gatherings in the state as high-risk factors.

Public health experts seconded the caution sounded by the minister. "Even as the virulence of the new variant may be comparatively low, around 20% of persons may develop post Covid-19 symptoms. Hence, everyone must wear masks, especially in closed spaces," DH quoted B. Ekbal, a public health expert, who is also the chairperson of the Covid Expert Committee of the Kerala government.

To take stock of the developing situation, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday also held a review meeting virtually with health ministers and additional chief principal secretaries (Health) of all states and Union territories.

"We need to be on the alert but there is no need to panic. There should be no laxity in our preparedness. Health is not an area for any politics. The Union Health Ministry is available for every support," Business Standard quoted Mandaviya as saying.

He suggested authorities concerned carry out mock drills at hospitals, increase surveillance, and carry out effective communication with people. The minister said preventive measures should be in place to arrest the spread of infections in the upcoming festive season.

According to the latest assessment issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the new subvariant, the overall risk assessment remains low. There is no change in the disease pattern. It has said considering that a number of countries would be entering winter season, so respiratory infections, including Covid-19, may see a rise. India last year too witnessed a small surge in Covid-19 cases around this time. People have been advised to mask up, especially the elderly and those with comorbidities, especially when in crowded places and in health facilities.

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