NEW DELHI: After Kerala, a new variant of Covid-19 JN-1, was detected in Goa and Maharashtra. 18 new cases were detected in the tests conducted after the film festival in Goa. In Maharashtra, JN-1 was confirmed in symptomatic patients.

After the new variant was found in Kerala, the central government asked all the states to be vigilant. States were also directed to increase RTPCR testing. Following this, the disease was confirmed in Goa and Maharashtra.

Presently there are 24 active cases in Maharashtra. Nine of them were found yesterday. Reports are coming out that Covid cases are increasing in the neighboring state of Karnataka as well. Masks have been made mandatory for those above 60 in Karnataka.

A meeting called by the union health minister will be held today in the context of rising covid cases in Kerala and the discovery of a new variant. Health Ministers and senior officials of all states will attend the meeting. The meeting will be held at 10 am. 88% of the active cases in the country are currently in Kerala. There are 1970 active Covid cases in the country.