With fresh Covid-19 cases being reported in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the virus strain that is currently prevalent is not “serious” in nature. However, precautionary measures need to be taken, reported news agency PTI.
The Chief Minister, on Monday, held a meeting with Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, officials, and experts to review the Covid situation. He also gathered information from the Principal Secretary of the Health Department and the head of the Covid task force.
Following the cases in the state, Siddaramaiah said officials have been instructed to take all necessary measures and to be fully prepared to deal with any situation in the future.
“I have asked for certain precautionary measures to be taken. We should be prepared for everything. There should be no problem with oxygen, ventilators, testing kits, and wards. Their availability must be ensured,” Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said there are nearly 80 active cases in the state as of now.
Further, he added, “We have asked parents not to send children with a cold, cough, and fever to schools. It is important for elderly people and those with comorbidities to wear masks. You (media people) also wear masks.”
To a question on whether there were any discussions regarding making mask-wearing compulsory for all and administering vaccinations, the CM said, “I have asked officials to procure vaccines if available.”
However, he further stated that wearing masks is not compulsory for everyone as of now, but those who are aged, or have comorbidities, kidney, or heart diseases should wear masks as a precaution.
When the media asked about screening or keeping watch on those travelling from abroad, Siddaramaiah said there has been no communication or orders from the central government for taking such a measure, but instructions have been given to take all precautions.
Meanwhile, Covid-19 cases have also been reported from Maharashtra. According to PTI, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) in Thane district has reported its first Covid-19 fatality, with a woman succumbing to the virus while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Public Relations Officer (PRO) released an official update, informing about the detection of nearly 36 COVID-19 patients have been reported so far, with one death in the city.
(With inputs from PTI)
Leave a Reply