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.
As Makar Sankranti celebrations commence, lakhs of devotees are seen taking part in the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal's Sagar Island, even as Covid cases surge in the northeastern state amid the country's third Omicron-driven wave.