With Covid cases surging in China, the Karnataka government made wearing masks compulsory in closed spaces and air-conditioned facilities like malls, offices, multiplexes among others. While the state will be conducting mandatory testing of Influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases, it has also begun random testing of international passengers landing in the state airports.
Health Minister Dr K. Sudhakar, who was part of the high-level meeting of health officers and Covid technical advisory committee (TAC) members chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, said the TAC had given a report on the Covid scenario in the world and based on that the state would be drawing up new guidelines in addition to those of the Centre. The random testing and mandatory tests for ILI/SARI cases will be in addition to the daily testing of 2,000-3,000 samples.
The minister also informed that the state was preparing its healthcare facility for any possible exigencies. "All the hospitals have been directed to maintain and keep their oxygen plants and oxygen generators functional, besides setting aside a few hospital beds exclusively for Covid patients," said Sudhakar.
Expressing concern over the poor vaccination coverage of the booster dose for Covid, the minister informed that special vaccination camps will be organised in each district. "While most people have taken the first two doses, only 20 per cent of the eligible population has taken the third (booster) dose owing to the decline in Covid cases," said Sudhakar.
The minister also warned people against complacency in taking the vaccine and said the Covid surge was in neighbouring China and it was only a matter of time before it entered India. "We must be prepared by taking the third dose of vaccine and should not heed to hearsay about the side-effects of the vaccines. The two doses have shielded us in the last three waves. The BF.7 variant has been detected in India and there is a possibility of the variant showing up in our state too. So, we must exercise caution and also wear masks to effectively control the infection," said the minister.
