Singapore, Hong Kong, China and some Southeast Asia countries again reported a modest increase in Covid cases, as well as parts of India. What causes the rise? Should we be concerned and what can we do about it? Mint explains.
How big is the tip in Covid?
It is significant, but nothing like the level we saw in 2020-2021. According to the Ministry of Health and family care, India has 257 active Covid cases, mostly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The ministry recorded one death this month, but is still in the process of confirmation of death in Kerala. Meanwhile, the Singapore Ministry of Health stated that cases in early May increased to 14,200 with 133 hospitalized daily. The Chinese Disease Control Center also stated in cases of increase. From his samples collected weekly, those with Covid increased to 16.2%in early May, while the rate of hospitalized increased to more than 6%.
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What causes this tip?
Scientists across countries have pointed to the descendants of Jn.1, a version of Covid, which was created in Europe and spread to France, Great Britain and later North America since the end of 2023. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it in December 2023 as a variant (but not concerning). Sovereignty medical authorities, such as Singapore, said the tribes including the Faculty of Medicine and Nb.1.8. They are responsible for the ongoing tip in cases. But on the WHO, it was not yet the variants that monitored from April 14.
Is there a reason for concern?
Experts and data say no. Indian burden 257 is a fraction of what we have seen at the height of the pandemic. During the second wave in 2021, India reported 300,000-400,000 cases per day. In addition, WHO says Jn.1 only causes mild symptoms. The health authorities around the world have found no evidence that the latest option causes serious symptoms.
Also read | COVID-19 Resurgences: What is the variant Jn.1 coronavirus? What are the symptoms?
So why is this increase in interest?
Because flu and related respiratory viruses are usually spread in winter, allowing medical systems to prepare for seasonal peaks and introduce annual vaccination. However, this tip shows that Covid can grow sharply during the seasons. While this year’s Spike in Asia takes place in the summer months, last year’s spikes appeared in late years, autumn and winter months. Last June, the US Center for Disease Control said that COVID could move around a year and cause a relatively more intense local outbreak.
What does it mean for public health?
Experts in India, Singapore and China have asked people to observe basic preventive measures, including wearing a mask or cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing and keep a step with punches. They also asked people to stay at home and avoid traveling unless they often feel and often wash their hands. However, the Health Authorities in India and abroad have not yet officially imposed any restrictions on pandemic, such as masks and social distance.
Also read | COVID cases in India: Mumbai, Pune, Chennai Log Fresh Case
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