Covid 19 rears its head again; wearing of face masks mandatory for senior citizens, above with comorbidities
PTC Web Desk: The Karnataka Government has issued a directive mandating the wearing of face masks for those aged 60 and above with underlying health conditions, along with symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and fever. This precautionary measure comes in response to the detection of a case involving Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 in neighbouring Kerala.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, addressing mediapersons at Madikeri, outlined several measures to combat the situation. These include intensified testing among individuals exhibiting Covid 19 symptoms and suspected cases, as well as heightened surveillance in districts sharing borders with Kerala.
He assured the public that continuous monitoring is underway, emphasising that there's currently no need for imposing movement restrictions or limitations on gatherings. He mentioned that the government would soon release an advisory based on ongoing assessments by the technical advisory committee chaired by Dr K Ravi.
The minister specified that senior citizens and those with comorbidities must compulsorily wear masks, communicating this precautionary mandate to the populace. Additionally, hospitals and health centres have been instructed to remain prepared for any potential escalation of cases.
Emphasising the readiness of healthcare facilities, he highlighted that mock drills have been conducted across hospitals to assess their preparedness. Essential resources such as beds, ventilators, oxygen supply and personal protective equipment (PPE) have been checked and arrangements have been made in case of an emergency.
Rao reiterated the importance of vigilance and preparation, assuring that further decisions would be made based on the evolving situation. While there are no immediate plans to impose curbs on the movement of people, continuous monitoring will guide future actions, ensuring the safety of the public.
- With inputs from agencies
