June 2, 2024 – India reported four new COVID-19-related deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the total active caseload closer to 4,000, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry. While the numbers remain significantly lower than during the peak pandemic years, health experts urge continued vigilance as new variants circulate globally.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest COVID-19 updates, trends, and precautions to stay safe.
Latest COVID-19 Statistics in India (June 2, 2024)
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New Cases: 605 fresh infections reported in the last 24 hours.
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Active Cases: 3,868 (a slight increase from previous days).
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Deaths: 4 new fatalities, raising the total death toll to 533,573 since the pandemic began.
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Recoveries: The recovery rate remains high at 98.81%, with 5,44,71,778 patients having recuperated so far.
The daily positivity rate stands at 0.14%, while the weekly positivity rate is 0.13%. Health officials emphasize that despite low hospitalization rates, monitoring new sub-variants of Omicron remains crucial.
Emerging Variants Under Surveillance
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) continues to track emerging sub-lineages of Omicron, including:
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JN.1 and KP.2 variants: Currently dominant in several countries, including the U.S. and parts of Europe.
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KP.1.1: A newer sub-variant under observation for possible immune evasion.
While these variants have not caused a significant surge in India, experts recommend booster shots for high-risk groups, including the elderly and those with comorbidities.
Government and Health Advisory
The Central and state governments maintain a cautious approach, with key advisories including:
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Increased Testing: Random testing at airports and crowded areas continues in some states.
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Booster Doses: The Health Ministry encourages eligible individuals to take precautionary doses.
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Mask Usage: Recommended in hospitals, crowded places, and for those with flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, stated, “The situation is under control, but we must remain alert. States should ensure adequate testing and genome sequencing to detect any unusual trends early.”
Global COVID-19 Trends
Globally, countries like the U.S., Singapore, and the UK report slight upticks in cases, primarily driven by the KP.2 variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified any new variant as a “Variant of Concern” but advises nations to strengthen surveillance.
How to Stay Protected
While COVID-19 cases remain low, basic precautions can help prevent another wave:
Get Vaccinated: Ensure you’ve taken all recommended doses.
Practice Hygiene: Wash hands frequently and use sanitizers.
Wear Masks in Crowds: Especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Monitor Symptoms: Seek testing if experiencing fever, cough, or breathlessness.
