2024-01-11 03:24:14
The National Institute of Health (INS) issued an alert regarding the presence of a new variant of COVID-19, called JN.1, which has led the Ministry of Health to call on the population to intensify prevention measures. In this sense, the use of face masks is recommended if you have respiratory symptoms and need to be in public places or leave the house. In addition, this recommendation is extended to people who visit protection centers for the elderly as a preventive measure.
What the WHO says regarding the JN.1 variant of COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 as a “variant of concern” (VOI). This omicron subvariant is characterized by having more than 50 mutations in the spike protein, raising questions regarding its impact on transmissibility, disease severity, and vaccine effectiveness.
According to the WHO, current scientific evidence suggests that JN.1 has a greater transmission capacity, but does not appear to be related to an increase in severe cases of COVID-19. Additionally, updated vaccines have been reported to continue to protect once morest severe illness and death from JN.1 and the virus that causes COVID-19.
Although scientific information on this variant is limited, the WHO emphasizes the importance of maintaining and reinforcing established public health measures, such as vaccination, the use of masks, social distancing and adequate ventilation of indoor spaces.
Recommendations to prevent the spread of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of self-care and prevention, such as frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with water, soap or glycerinated alcohol. The need to maintain adequate ventilation in closed spaces and complete vaccination schedules is also highlighted, especially for boys and girls under 5 years of age, people over 60 years of age and those with chronic diseases. Recommended vaccines include COVID-19, influenza, and whooping cough.
Regarding the availability of beds in intensive care units (ICU), it was reported that the city has an offer of 1,200 beds, with a current occupancy of 79.7%. It is important to note that only 3.8% (45 beds) are intended for patients with COVID-19, of which 38 are occupied. These data reflect a decrease in severe cases requiring this type of care. The overall occupancy of ICUs in Bogotá has remained stable, indicating that the city has adequate hospital capacity in the event of an increase in demand for these services.
COVID-19 cases in 2024
Regarding COVID-19 cases, during the first week of January 2024, 256 active cases have been reported in the District, which represents an increase of 23% compared to the last week of December 2023. This increase might be related to greater social interaction during the end-of-year festivities. However, during the last three weeks of December 2023, no deaths associated with COVID-19 were recorded in the city and the occupancy of highly complex services has remained stable. This indicates that although there has been an increase in cases, they have not presented severe symptoms that require specialized care nor have they caused deaths.
It is essential that the population continues to comply with prevention and self-care measures to prevent the spread of the virus, especially now that a new variant has been identified. Hand washing, the use of face masks and vaccination are key actions in the fight once morest the disease. Likewise, it is encouraging to know that hospital capacity is in good condition to meet any increase in demand for medical care. Together, as a community, we can overcome this situation by maintaining a strong commitment to our health and that of others.
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