January 3: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged the public to take precautions with the detection of J.N 1 variant of COVID-19 in India.    
Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki has requested the general public for taking precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of this variant in Nepal.    
He urged the public to observe social distancing, wear mask while joining a mass gathering such as feast and other social gatherings and practice regular hand wash and hygiene.    
While the J.N 1 variant, a sub-variant of the Omicron strain, is already spreading in neighboring China and India, there have been no confirmed cases in Nepal so far. Despite this, heightened concerns about the variant's potential entry into the country have led to increased screening and surveillance at various entry points, according to Budhathoki.    
The ministry said it is well-prepared for prevention and treatment in case the J.N 1 variant surfaces in Nepal and it is coordinating with relevant bodies accordingly. -- RSS