New COVID-19 Variant

The emergence of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 in Nepal acts as a reminder that nations worldwide are continuously struggling to combat against the virus. The occurrence of new variant, which has been seen in India and China as well, requires increased focus to address the situation. Recognition by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) in recent weeks to validate its presence as supported by genomic sequencing at the National Public Health Laboratory presents a worrying reality. MoHP calls for a need to screen people at border entry points more than ever. For those vaccinated against COVID-19, JN. 1 does not seem to manifest such harsh effects on sufferers of the disease.