New Delhi/IBNS: India has reported 21 cases of the new coronavirus variant JN.1 from across the country, the government think tank NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said on Wednesday.

Goa has reported 19 cases of the JN.1 variant, and Maharashtra and Kerala one each, said reports.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the COVID-19 situation and the preparedness of public health systems given the rising cases in some parts of the country.

"It is important to be on alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of the coronavirus," Mandaviya said, according to a statement by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry Wednesday.

He asked for smooth coordination between the Centre and the states to ensure efficient management of COVID-19.

"Let us undertake mock drills once every three months at both the central and state levels and share best practices," the Health Minister said.

The Health Minister reminded the states that COVID-19 is not over yet, so the states need to monitor emerging evidence of cases, symptoms, and case severity to plan appropriate public health responses.