The latest subtype of COVID-19 JN.1 has been causing concern. It appears to be highly contagious. The JN.1 strain first emerged in the United States in September and is a close relative of BA.2.86. The variant JN.1 comprises an estimated 15–29% of COVID-19 Cases in the United States. However, there is no evidence that JN.1 presents an increased risk to public health relative to other currently circulating variants.
Many people are concerned about whether the new virus strain will be resistant to current COVID-19 drugs. The US CDC shows that currently available COVID-19 treatments are still effective, including Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, which the Hong Kong government has been providing to private clinics.
If you are a citizen over 60 years old or have a long-term illnesses, taking antiviral drugs within the five days from COVID-19 symptoms onset is still effective and can reduce the rate of severe complications. Eligible citizens should check with their doctor as soon as possible whether oral anti-viral drugs are suitable for them.
Information source: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/SARS-CoV-2-variant-JN.1.html
