Covid JN.1 sub-variant: Karnataka CM takes stock, forms cabinet sub-committee

Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on December 21 held a meeting in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, and three deaths in Bengaluru over the past week.

The Chief Minister highlighted that there are 92 active COVID cases in Karnataka, with 80 in Bengaluru, five in Mysuru, three in Bellary, and one each in Ramanagara and Mandya. Of these, 72 are in home isolation, 20 are hospitalised and seven are in the ICU suffering from co-morbidity

Siddaramaiah said the government has decided to increase in Covid testing to 5,000 per day in the state, comprising 1,500 Rapid Antigen Tests and 3,500 R-TPCR tests.

Emphasising the need for caution, he said one death on December 15 and two on December 20, all suffering from co-morbidity.

Siddaramaiah cautioned the state health and medical education departments against repeating mistakes made during the previous BJP-led government's handling of the COVID waves. He instructed them to be proactive in averting shortages.

Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of oxygen, ventilators, and beds. "Last time many people died due to the non-availability of these facilities,” he said.

To enhance COVID-19 management, the CM announced that a cabinet sub-committee will be formed. He assured ample funds for managing COVID-19 and pledged to allocate dedicated hospitals based on ongoing reviews.

Siddaramaiah also urged citizens to remain cautious and seek medical advice promptly if experiencing respiratory symptoms. "Everyone above 60 years, those suffering from kidney, heart, liver ailments, pregnant and lactating women should wear masks," he said.

The state government, in alignment with the Technical Advisory Committee's recommendations, issued advisories emphasising the importance of mask-wearing and avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated places.