The JN.1 COVID-19 variant, a sub-lineage of BA.2.86, is causing a significant surge in cases across Asia, including India and Singapore. While highly transmissible, current data suggests it does not lead to more severe illnesses than previous strains.

JN.1 may not be more severe, but it spreads fast, and that’s reason enough to stay alert. Across Asia, the priority is clear: stay prepared, stay informed, and use lessons from past outbreaks to keep ahead of the virus.

Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand are witnessing a spike in Covid-19 cases. In Singapore, the surge in infections is driven by LF.7 and NB.1.8 — both descendants of JN.1 variant, which is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variety.

With several Asian countries experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, travellers are being advised to consider the severity of the outbreak and their own health status before finalising plans. If travel is not essential, postponing the trip or choosing an alternative destination may be a safer option.

Maharashtra recently reported two deaths, which, according to doctors, are not COVID-19 deaths, but both patients were found to be COVID-19 positive.

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Authorities said that there was no need to panic as viruses, over time, become endemic and lose their severity. It is only in patients with comorbidities that Covid can become serious, but even that has become rare,

LF.7 and NB.1.8, both descendants of JN.1, are currently the most common variants, accounting for more than two-thirds of all sequenced cases. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 93 active COVID-19 cases in India as of May 19.