ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Behl says recent Covid infections remain mild and under watch, so normal precautions suffice.
As India enters another phase of Covid-19 monitoring, the message from ICMR is clear: infections are under review, existing sub-variants are mild, and the country’s health infrastructure stands ready to respond if the situation changes.
Dr Rajiv Behl, the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, addressed a rise in Covid-19 cases across India. He said the increase began in the south, then moved west, and now appears in the north. He noted that samples sent from these regions have undergone genome sequencing under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. Those tests have identified Omicron sub-variants LF.7, XFG and JN.1 as the most common strains, with NB.1.8.1 also detected.
On Monday, Dr Behl told reporters, “Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants.” He stressed that these sub-variants have not shown severe disease. He added, “People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions.”
When asked about booster doses, he said there is no current need for additional vaccination. He pointed out India’s vaccine production capacity, noting, “India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time.”
Authorities continue to track new infections through state and national surveillance systems. Hospitals and laboratories are reporting case counts daily, but health officials have not called for emergency measures. Instead, they remind citizens to wear masks in crowded spaces, maintain hand hygiene and test if they develop symptoms.
