Chennai Corporation to Intensify COVID Testing Amid JN.1 Sub-Variant Concerns

The Greater Chennai Corporation is set to increase COVID-19 testing following concerns about the JN.1 sub-variant, particularly prevalent in Kerala and other countries. The Health and Family Welfare Department, along with the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, directed the corporation to boost testing efforts.

The focus is on identifying symptomatic cases in the city. The commissioner emphasized that the cases detected so far were mild, with no reported clusters. Special medical camps have been conducted, benefiting nearly 565,000 people, with an emphasis on preventing waterborne and foodborne diseases. The health authorities also stressed the need for public awareness to avoid crowding and practice preventive measures.

As of December 24, Chennai reported 66 active cases, all of which were mild, and no severe symptoms requiring hospitalization were reported.