Outlook Business Desk
India logged over 6,800 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Karnataka and Gujarat reported over 120 infections each. In Kerala, the virus has claimed six lives so far.
Kerala leads with the highest number of active Covid cases, followed by Gujarat (1,109), West Bengal (747), Delhi (691), and Maharashtra (613). Health officials are closely monitoring these states as infections show a gradual uptick.
Kerala currently has 2,223 active Covid cases, with 96 people under treatment—most battling other health issues too. Ernakulam leads with 431 cases, followed by Kottayam (426) and Thiruvananthapuram (365), according to the state health ministry.
The Omicron JN.1 variants LF.7 and XFG are now the most common in Kerala. While not severe, they are highly transmissible, the state health department noted.
The XFG variant is a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant and was first detected in Canada. It’s a recombinant strain, formed by the merging of two variants—LF.7 and LP.8.1.2—making it more transmissible.
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George said older adults and people with existing health issues face higher risk. She urged the public to take extra precautions.
“Masks should be worn in public places and during travel. Genomic sequencing is being conducted to identify the Covid variant. The Omicron JN.1 variant LF.7 and XFG, which are spreading in Southeast Asian countries, are the most common in Kerala. Although these variants are not as severe, they have a high potential for spreading the disease,” Health Minister Veena George said.
Though current case numbers are low compared to past waves, they’re a clear reminder that Covid is still evolving. Health experts urge the public to remain cautious, follow hygiene practices, and stay informed as new variants emerge.