35 cases of Covid's JN.1 variant detected in Karnataka: Health Minister
Bengaluru, Dec 25: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said about 35 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been detected in the state so far.
A few recent deaths because of comorbidities along with COVID infection, too were found to be infected by JN.1, he said, the new sub-variant's infection spread is neither surprising or a sudden development, and asked people not to worry, but to be cautious and take precautions.
"We will share the detailed information tomorrow, exact figures, along with the breakup, as we have the COVID related cabinet sub-committee meeting. According to the report we have got, there are around 35 JN.1 positive cases in the state," Rao said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, most of the cases are in Bengaluru, along with places like Mysuru among others.
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"This was expected, as JN.1 is most prevalent and is spreading across the world now. The WHO, central government and the state government has been speaking about JN.1 infections...we had information about JN.1 infections, but for confirmation genome sequencing was done and through that we have come to know about 35 cases," he said, adding that the exact ratio and details will be shared later.
The state government's Cabinet sub-committee will meet tomorrow to discuss the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on further measures to be taken to manage COVID-19 situation in the state.
Suggesting that there is no need to worry about JN.1 cases, the Minister reiterated there are no restrictions or guidelines regarding any activities or celebrations like New Year or gathering of people, anywhere.
"Anyhow, the cabinet sub-committee will discuss tomorrow the recommendations made by the TAC and decide what further measures need to be taken and will let you know. As of now there are no guidelines restricting any activities or celebrations or gathering of people," he added.
Pointing out that most of the cases according to his information were under home isolation and a very few were in hospital, Rao said details like age, travel history and the place they belong to will be shared tomorrow.
Without sharing further details, he said, "a few recent deaths because of comorbidities along with COVID infection -- they too were found to be infected by JN.1."
Reiterating that JN.1 infections were expected, Rao said, "no one should feel that it is a surprise or a sudden development...existing guidelines to control its spread are continuing as of now, in case any changes are made they will be made known. No need to worry, but remain cautious and take precautions."
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
