Karnataka: Health Department takes proactive steps in light of rise in Covid-19 cases

A new variant of the Covid-19 virus has been identified. This has cast a shadow on the State of Karnataka as well. In light of a steep increase in cases in the neighbouring state of Kerala, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Karnataka, Dinesh Gundu Rao called for an urgent meeting. The focus of the meeting was the preventive measures to be taken in light of the rise of Covid-19 cases. 

The escalation has been observed across various states in India. In Karnataka alone, 58 cases have been identified. 11 patients have been hospitalised on account of the infection. 1 death has been recorded on account of the Covid-19 virus over the last 4 months. Reports have indicated that this number may well go up. 

The Health Department has been in touch with the Central Government ove this concerning development. Medical practitioners have been directed to test for the virus in case symptoms emerge in patients. Hospitals have been asked to equip themselves with an ample number of testing kits for this purpose. The number of kits should meet requirements for 3 months at the very least as per the directive.

A Technical Advisory Committee meeting has been scheduled on December 19th to discuss further steps that have to be taken.