January 9: The Ministry of Health and Population has confirmed the spread of new sub-variant JN.1 of COVID-19 in Nepal. The new sub-variant of COVID-19 is spreading in some countries in the recent weeks.    
Issuing a press statement on Monday, the ministry has asked one and all to exercise precautionary measures after the detection of the sub-variant JN.1.    
The ministry's Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki told the RSS that seven samples out of 16 collected from different parts of the country from different age groups confirmed the presence of the sub-variant JN.1 of Omicron.    
The ministry has urged the public to avoid crowds and gathering, maintain physical distance, continue using mask and regularly wash hands with soap and water. -- RSS