Chief Minister Directs Full Preparedness Against Covid-19 Variant JN.1

Village Clinics and Secretariats on High Alert Despite Doctor's Advice

AI Teaching Mandated in All Medical Colleges by Chief Minister

Rapid Recovery of New Variant Cases Reported, No Complications Detected

Government Hospitals Equipped with Testing Kits and Oxygen Infrastructure

Genome Sequencing Lab Examines Positive Cases for New Variants

Key Officials Present at High-Stakes Covid Threat Review Meeting

Amaravati, Dec 22: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the Medical and Health Department officials to ensure full preparedness and focus on preventive steps, considering the reports of the Covid-19 new variant JN.1 spreading rapidly. During a review meeting on the Covid threat held at the Camp Office on Friday, the Chief Minister instructed them to maintain high alert levels in village clinics, village, and ward secretariats for the implementation of preventive measures. This directive stands, despite doctors’ advice that there is no need to panic.

He emphasized that senior officials should create awareness among the staff of village clinics and secretariats, educating them on identifying the features of the new variant and implementing preventive measures. Additionally, the Chief Minister issued a directive for the introduction of AI (Artificial Intelligence) teaching in all Medical Colleges.

Officials reported that individuals affected by the new variant are recovering rapidly without complications and without the need for hospital visits. While the new variant differs from the Delta type, it is spreading quickly, and suspected individuals are undergoing medical tests in Government hospitals.

The Chief Minister was further briefed that rapid testing kits and personal care kits are available at village and ward secretariats and Government hospitals, respectively. Essential medicines, oxygen concentrators, and D-type cylinders are stocked in all hospitals, and oxygen infrastructure is being readied, with PSA plants providing oxygen wherever necessary. Samples of positive cases are sent to the Genome Sequencing Lab in Vijayawada for further examination to identify new variants. Additionally, 56,741 oxygen beds are prepared at various hospitals. Present at the meeting were Medical and Health Minister V. Rajani, Chief Secretary Dr K.S. Jawahar Reddy, Special CS (Medical and Health) M.T. Krishna Babu, Secondary Health Director S. Venkateswar, Medical Education Director Dr DSVL Narasimham, and other senior officials.