On Monday, the Karnataka government instructed individuals aged 60 and above, especially those with underlying health conditions and experiencing symptoms like cough, phlegm, and fever, to wear face masks without fail. This mandate comes in response to the discovery of a case of the Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 in neighboring Kerala.

In light of this development, the state is gearing up to mandate the use of masks specifically for individuals aged 60 and above. Dinesh Gundurao, the Health Minister of Karnataka, has confirmed that an official order regarding this mandate will be issued later today.

Acknowledging the vulnerability of certain demographics, particularly those aged 60 and above, as well as individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart or kidney disease, fever, phlegm, or cold symptoms, the Karnataka government emphasizes the importance of mask-wearing for their protection. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been directed to take proactive steps in readiness for this mandate. Additionally, heightened vigilance measures have been put in place, particularly in border districts like Kutak, Mangaluru, and Chamarajanagar.

The identification of the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19 was a result of routine surveillance conducted by INSACOG in Kerala. Specifically, the case was detected on December 8, 2023, from a positive RT-PCR sample obtained from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This discovery has prompted Karnataka to take swift and precautionary actions to mitigate the potential spread of the variant within its borders.

New Covid Variant, JN.1, Detected in Kerala: What You Should Know