Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Dec 20: Dr H R Thimmayya, the district health officer, addressed the media on Wednesday, December 20, urging the public not to panic in light of the COVID outbreak in the neighboring state of Kerala and emphasized the importance of taking precautionary measures.

Dr Thimmayya stated that Dakshina Kannada shares a border with Kerala, where 27 cases have been reported. Among these, 25 individuals are in home isolation, and two have been discharged from the hospital. Notably, Dakshina Kannada district has not reported any cases so far. Checkpoints have been established at border areas in Talapady, Saradka, Swarga, Sullia Padav, and Jalsoor. While there are no restrictions at these points, announcements will be made to encourage all necessary precautionary measures, including at bus stands and railway stations.

Testing will be conducted for individuals with symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). Educational institutions have been notified, particularly as a significant number of students from Kerala travel to Mangaluru. Students showing symptoms of ILI and SARI will undergo testing.

Dr Thimmayya highlighted that the state government has issued COVID guidelines in anticipation of an outbreak, and regular meetings are being conducted with higher officials to address the situation. The district is well-equipped with 1356 oxygen-supported beds, 722 ICU beds, and 356 ventilators, providing a robust infrastructure to handle potential cases, he added.