Karnataka reports 3 deaths and 31 cases of Covid-19’s new variant; no restrictions on New Year celebrations

Karnataka reported 31 cases of the new variant JN.1 and three related deaths on Monday, amid an uptick in Covid-19 infections across the country.

Among the reported cases in Karnataka, 20 have been detected in Bengaluru city, 4 in Mysuru, 3 in Mandya, and one each in Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar. Of the three deaths, two were in Bengaluru and one in Ramanagara district.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare said genome sequencing results of 60 samples are available as of date, out of 192 samples submitted. The results of the remaining positive cases may be available by Wednesday.

The state presently has 436 active cases of Covid-19 and on Monday the state reported 125 cases. The positivity rate in the last 24 hours, as of Monday, was at 3.96 per cent and the fatality rate stood at 2.4 per cent.

Bengaluru city alone has 360 active Covid-19 cases.

The state government has been holding several meetings given an increase in Covid-19 cases in Kerala.

However, the government also clarified there will be no restrictions on New Year celebrations but has asked people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

The health department said, “During the year-end festivities and New Year celebrations, Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) of social distancing, face masking, hand-sanitisation and respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette shall be adhered to. Persons with respiratory symptoms shall avoid places of festivities and recreational centres (including swimming pools) and seek medical consultation.”