Pramesh S Jain & Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
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Highlights of the press conference by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after conducting a high-level meeting on COVID-19.
*There should be no shortage of oxygen,bed,ventilator, medicine and other things.
*COVID JN.1 sub-variant (Omicron variant) is not dangerous.
*State has reported 92 active cases of JN.1.There are 80 active cases in Bengaluru and 20 are hospitalized and rest of them are isolated in their homes .
7 out of 20 are in ICU.But they are in ICU due to other health problems.
*COVID testing is increased upto 5000 a day and 1000 tests in Bengaluru.
*A Cabinet Sub-Committee will be formed and will be in touch with the Advisory Committee to keep a constant watch.
*The recommendations of the Technical Advisory Committee should be fully implemented.
*Ramp up testing in border districts.
*There is no need to panic but have to be cautious.
*Mask should be worn in outdoor. People above 60 years wearing mask is mandatory.
*At present,masks are not mandatory for people below 60 years of age in the state.But it is better to wear a mask in the outdoors.
*The CM told the media not to overplay the situation.
*Dedicated hospitals will have all facilities ready. Oxygen,bed,ventilator and other preparations should be arranged in all the districts.
*Vaccinations are advised to be kept ready.
?Kerala records more active cases because the tests conducted are more. Active cases might increase here also due to more testing.
*Media and channels should not create unnecessary panic.There is no need to worry.The CM appealed to the media not to create panic.
*There is sufficient funds to manage COVID.
*We will allocate dedicated hospitals after reviewing the situation.
*The technical advisory committee and experts have suggested that people need not wear masks as of now.
