Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
A
high-level meeting was held today to discuss the situation and precautionary measures to be taken in view of the spike in Covid-19 cases in the state and three deaths in Bengaluru in the last one week.
• Spike in covid 19 cases is recorded across the world. Especially a new variant JN.1 has been discovered.
• 51,214 cases have been detected globally in the last one week. An average of 310 cases is reported across India every day.
At present,92 Active COVID cases have been reported in Karnataka.
2041 in Kerala,77 in Tamil Nadu,35 in Maharashtra,23 in Goa and 12 in Gujarat are reported.
Out of total 92 active COVID cases in the state,80 are in Bengaluru.5 cases in Mysore,3 in Bellary,1 case each in Ramnagar and Mandya.
72 of them are in home isolation,20 are hospitalized,7 people are in the ICU who are suffering from other health issues also.
The covid testing is being ramped up to 5000 per day in the state.Out of which 1500 Rapid Antigen Test and 3500 are RTPCR tests.
1000 tests will be conducted in Bengaluru.Number of tests will be increased in border districts too.
One death was reported on December 15th and two deaths on December 20th in Karnataka.All these three cases were suffering from co-morbidity.
However,people need not panic. But it is necessary to take precautionary measures.
Now COVID 19 is no more a pandemic but has become endemic.
Government will also take all necessary precautionary measures.
Genome sequencing will be expedited to those with co-morbidity,people with foreign travel history and in the cases of COVID deaths and cases reported in focussed area.
The suggestions given by the Technical Advisory Committee were discussed in the meeting and following decisions were taken:
• The mistakes made during previous COVID waves should not be repeated this time.Availability of Oxygen, ventilator,beds etc should be ensured.Last time many people died due to non-availability of these facilities.
• Health department and medical education department should gear up and ensure no shortage of oxygen, beds,ventilators etc.
•Recommendations of Technical Advisory Committee should be followed.
•Everyone should know their responsibility and perform.
* It was decided to form a cabinet sub-committee for efficient handling and transparency in COVID management.
• Mock drill is conducted at all hospitals. All hospitals have been instructed to gear up to tackle COVID cases.
*Recommendations of the Technical Advisory Committee and advisory issued in the state.
• Everyone above 60 years,those suffering from kidney, heart,liver ailments,pregnant and lactating women should wear masks and avoid visiting closed,poorly ventilated places and crowded places.
• People suffering from symptoms of respiratory problems such as fever, cough, cold, running nose etc. should immediately seek medical advice and wear a mask.
•Maintaining personal hygiene. If sick, stay home and minimize contact with others.
•It is better to wear mask in crowded area.
• Taking precautionary measures while traveling abroad.
•Government of India has also issued guidelines.
• The state has made arrangements to monitor, test and report cases of fever along the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Mandatory testing at all private and government hospitals for respiratory problems and one in 20 cases of fever (ILI).
