Official urges people to stay alert and cautious about the new COVID strain

On Monday, India reported a single-day increase of 3,641 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the active caseload to 20,219, according to data from the Union Health Ministry. However, a top official from the ministry stated that a new COVID variant poses less risk and is unlikely to result in an increase in hospitalizations. The strain has been isolated and studied in a laboratory, but the official emphasized the need for continued vigilance. The official also noted that the current surge in cases could be attributed to the spread of the XBB 1.16 variant in the country. The total number of COVID cases in India stands at 4.47 crore (4,47,26,246), with a daily positivity rate of 6.12 and a weekly positivity rate of 2.45%. The death toll has risen to 5,30,892, with 11 deaths reported in the past 24 hours.