Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha has assured the people that there is no reason to worry about the recent Covid cases reported in a few States. The Minister on Saturday convened a high-level review meeting to assess the current COVID-19 scenario in Telangana and preparedness of the health department to effectively manage seasonal diseases.

During the meeting, officials and subject experts presented a detailed briefing on the prevailing situation in India and other countries. It was noted that while some countries have reported a slight rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalization rates remain significantly low.

In India, the situation remains stable. A limited number of JN.1 variant cases have been detected, a variant that has been in circulation since 2023 and currently poses no significant concern, the officials told the Minister. Officials clarified that no new advisories or guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, which can be attributed to the controlled nature of the situation.

Epidemiologists informed the Minister that COVID-19 transitioned to the endemic stage nearly three years ago, and periodic fluctuations in case numbers are consistent with endemic behaviour. They also noted that due to prevailing weather conditions, an increase in respiratory infections such as cough, cold, and fever is also expected. Officials stated that factors such as herd immunity due to immunization against Covid, the mild nature of symptoms due to the JN.1 variant and the low incidence of hospitalization, all indicate that the situation is under control. There is no immediate cause for concern, as on date.

Raja Narasimha said that sporadic cases of covid-19 can be managed very well, with the available healthcare personnel and infrastructure. There are no reports of hospitalisation or institutional patient care required, unless there are co-existing morbidities due to other underlying chronic ailments. He stated that the State has adequate availability of testing kits, medicines and testing facilities, apart from healthcare facilities. The Minister urged the people to remain calm, and to exercise personal hygiene and precaution at their end.