Indians face severe fear as Covid variant JN-1 spreads

Karnataka: India's Ministry of Health has advised the public not to panic about the new corona variant JN-1, but state measures are spreading fear among people.

Three people have been died due to JN-1 in Karnataka. Thousands of sick people across the country have clear symptoms of JN-1, but the government is avoiding officially recognizing them as JN-1 by registering cases. Apparently the purpose is to prevent people from succumbing to fear.

After numerous JN-1 cases came to light, the Ministry of Health had advised the states to take precautionary measures as the cases are emerging rapidly in most states and precautions have been made in this regard.

The government of the southern state of Karnataka has asked people to wear masks, get vaccinated and maintain social distancing. It has also advised people to self-isolate at home and avoid social contact if symptoms are noticeable.

The first case of JN-1 in India was reported in the southern state of Kerala. It is important to mention that the World Health Organization (WHO) said that JN-1 has appeared in more or less 45 countries so far including United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China and some European countries. In many cities in China, people have been found suffering from a mysterious type of fever.

Across India, there is an atmosphere of public fear regarding JN-1. Earlier on 2020, India had a very bad situation during the corona epidemic. Despite the government's measures, the discontent of the people did not subside and as a result the loss of lives increased on the one hand and the economy suffered a severe blow on the other hand. Due to the restriction on movement, millions of people were facing severe problems thousands of kilometers away from their homes.

Several states have asked the public to avoid sending their children to school if they experience even the slightest symptoms of the coronavirus. The states have also sought doses of Corona vaccine from the Centre.

The Karnataka government has ordered all business establishments, public and private offices and general traders to allow official leave from work to those who self-quarantine at home on the basis of fear of contracting JN-1.