The rise in Covid cases comes weeks after the emergence of a new sub-variant JN.1, prompting the ministry to issue advisories to states to ramp up testing and strengthen their surveillance systems. However, sources said so far no JN.1 cases have been reported in Bengal. States have been asked to monitor and report district-wise cases of influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness regularly for early detection of rising trend of cases.

According to officials, three Covid-19 patients were admitted to the Beleghata ID Hospital in Kolkata between Thursday and Sunday. “The condition of the patients is stable. Of the three patients, two are women. The elderly male patient is also undergoing dialysis. He is suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and malaria,” a staffer at the government-run hospital said.

Sources said the samples of all patients will be sent for genome sequencing. “There is nothing to panic about. All patients who tested positive for Covid have mild symptoms but a few others have comorbidities. However, since people are in a celebratory mood, it is advisable that they adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour. It is important to ensure it doesn’t spread further,” said a senior health official.

“Most of the Covid-19 cases reported recently are from Kolkata. No JN.1 cases have been reported in Bengal so far,” the official added. On December 28, Covid-19 had claimed on life in the state.