Seasonal dip in temperatures, unseasonal rain, high pollution and the lack of mask usage/hand sanitisation are important factors behind the surge in the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Kerala, say health experts, who have advised the public to adhere to COVID-appropriate behaviour to avoid any infection surge.

In the recent case reported in Kerala, the RT-PCR test on the samples collected from Thiruvananthapuram tested positive for JN.1, a new variant of SARS-CoV2. The 79-year-old had mild symptoms of influenza and her samples were collected on November 18, for testing. mid-day had in its December 11 report titled ‘Do not ignore respiratory illness this winter’, had had cautioned the public to use masks and sanitizers, while venturing in public spaces.