Karnataka said, masks should be worn compulsorily, especially in places where there is a crowd
Bangalore:
Amid fresh COVID-19 concerns in various parts of the country and apprehensions about a possible fourth wave of the pandemic, the Karnataka government on Monday decided to issue guidelines for wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing mandatory.
The decision was taken in a meeting with senior ministers, officials and the COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, comprising experts in Bengaluru to review the situation in the state amid concerns over a possible fourth wave.
“Masks must be worn compulsorily, especially in places where there is a crowd and at indoor places, social distancing has to be maintained. Guidelines in this regard will be issued today. We have not taken any decision regarding imposition of any fine immediately. Health Minister K Sudhakar said.
Speaking to reporters after attending the meeting, the minister said there has been a slight increase in the number of positive cases in Bengaluru, where the positivity rate is 1.9 per cent, and monitoring the situation with guidelines on treatment if necessary. and will be supervised.
“On April 27, the Prime Minister will hold a video conference with the Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of all the states, where more guidance and information can be shared. After that, we will have another round of meetings here and further if necessary. Measures will be taken, will be taken,” he said.
Pointing out that according to the World Health Organisation, health issues such as hospitalization and ICU care are more necessary in unvaccinated people, the minister said that the number of people taking the preventive dose (the third dose) is less, and more People have to get booster jabs.
“The preventive or third dose is being given free of cost to those above 60 years. Don’t wait for the next wave, take the preventive dose and protect yourself,” he advised.
Noting that countries like South Korea, Thailand and Japan are reporting a spike in cases, Sudhakar said that passengers traveling directly to the state from these countries would be specially monitored at airports and their details and contact numbers would be collected. and they will be telemonitored at home.
Responding to a question, the minister said that the Omicron ba.2 sub-lineage is emerging, but until there is an official report from the Insacog lab, it will be difficult to say which variant is prevalent.
“They (lab) have collected samples for genomic sequencing and we can get a report in two to three days,” he said, adding that if the samples are of the Omicron sub-lineage, the traits would be more or less similar.
Highlighting that on an average around 10,000 COVID tests are being conducted per day, Sudhakar replied to a question and said that the Centre’s guidelines regarding testing for those symptomatic are being followed by the state.
Regarding the severity of the infection, he said that the state government has received information about the situation in other states like Delhi where there are no major problems and the rate of people requiring hospitalization or ICU care is low, while abroad. hospitalized in some places. More and this could be because of the low vaccination rates out there.
Responding to a question, Sudhakar said that the guidelines for maintaining masks and social distancing are applicable to all, be it common man or any political party, and need to be followed in the interest of public health at large. Is.
Karnataka on Sunday recorded 60 fresh COVID-19 cases and zero deaths, taking the total infections in the state to 39,46,934 and the death toll to 40,057.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)