Several States are beginning to feel the shivers of another Covid attack after infections are showing signs of momentum following the recent detection of sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala on December 8 amid a spurt in cases in the State. Neighbouring Karnataka has taken pre-emptive action making masks compulsory for senior citizens and those with comorbidities and symptoms of cough and fever.
On Monday, the Centre took cognisance of the drift and issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories asking them to put necessary public health measures and other arrangements in place to minimise the risk of transmission. The health departments of States are asked to monitor district-wise cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) regularly for early detection of rising trends. Adequate testing has been advised besides maintaining the recommended share of RT-PCR and antigen tests. There are a host of other guidelines that have been issued, incorporating some of the earlier ones, to ensure that States remain alert to the resurgent threat of the virus.
Goa is in the midst of a tourism season, and there will be a certain amount of worry since visitors descend from all walks and areas of the world as the health department is scheduled to hold meetings on Wednesday. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane's swift call for caution is welcome, however, it remains to be seen how the State treads this path, especially at this crucial time of the year.
The question is whether the Goa government will issue an advisory to its people and guests? Or will it play the waiting game, for the fear of losing business because guidelines sometimes act as panic triggers, especially for the over-cautious individual. Can the State afford to go through the upcoming spell of partying and festivity without enforcing protocols against the emerging Covid scenario elsewhere?
The consolation however is that the new coronavirus variant JN.1, which was first identified in Luxembourg, may not be as deadly as the earlier versions and may not require mass hospitalisation or create emergencies along the lines of the first two waves. The current variant is stated to carry mutations in the spike protein that may increase its infectivity and ability to evade immune responses. Symptoms identified are milder versions of the earlier variant that include fever, running nose, sore throat, headaches and mild gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea.
Nonetheless, there are risks for those with comorbidities and senior citizens, not only because of lower immunity, but also because of the concerns about the transmissibility of the virus.
Goa's major worry is the crowds it draws during the season. It may be impractical to sound a warning or raise an alarm, but it would be prudent to request citizens to be cautious in crowded environments. One cannot expect people to go to Sunburn and other parties with masks on, but certainly there should be awareness. Besides, there is no harm in advising senior citizens and people with comorbidities to follow Covid protocols of masks on the lines of Karnataka.
It is always better to be safe than sorry and going by past experiences, we must learn that Covid infections started with a few cases before the situation spiralled out of control. The positive side is that Goa’s healthcare is now in a better position to handle the situation, should the State find itself in a spot of bother.
