From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan 3: Covid-19 pandemic and its Omicron variant are spreading fast in the country and in neighbouring States causing a serious concern, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday and indicated that the State Cabinet at its meeting on Thursday will discuss the overall situation and take appropriate decision on the measures to be taken to control further spread.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said the State Cabinet meeting to be held on Thursday would discuss the overall Covid situation in the state and take appropriate decisions on long term measures to be taken to tackle Omicron, the new variant of Covid.
"Covid and Omicron are spreading fast in the country and neighboring states. It would be discussed with the Expert committee on Tuesday evening. We have the experience of handling the previous two waves of Covid surge,’’ he said pointing out that the experts have been asked to suggest appropriate measures to control the pandemic without affecting the daily life of the people.
Speaking about the vaccine drive for children in the 15-18 years age group, he said, "They need to be brought under the Covid secure bubble. An extensive vaccination campaign is being launched for this purpose. We need coordinated effort from the parents, teachers and health workers to make it a success.’’
He urged the people to show self-restraint and follow Covid norms like wearing face-mask and maintaining social distancing besides adhering to sanitation protocols.
“Let's resolve to eradicate Covid’’
“Let us resolve to make 2022 a healthy and Covid-free year. Let us wage a united war to eradicate Covid, the Chief Minister said.
Launching the vaccination campaign for children in the 15-18 year age group through a programme at Bhairaveshwara High School and PU College in Bengaluru, he said the state successfully tackled the earlier waves of Covid pandemic under the leadership of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. His effective measures in providing medicines, beds, oxygen supplies enabled Karnataka to be a safe state.
"Our government has taken various measures for protection against Covid. As a result the situation in the state is better compared to other states. We need scientific thought, involve the people and improve health infrastructure. Our government is working meticulously in this regard," he said.
Health department has been fully equipped to face the challenge. Medical infrastructure has been ramped up. Measures like strict vigil at border areas of the state, compulsory RTPCR test report, double dose vaccination for those entering the state, contact tracing of the patients have been implemented. Care is being taken to ensure that the control measures do not affect the economy, Bommai said.
Referring to the vaccination drive for the children, he said, the health of 15-18 age group children is vital.
"About 4.41 lakh children are being vaccinated today. In Bengaluru we are jabbing 30,000 doses today. The second dose would be administered after 28 days. The drive to cover those above 60 years and with comorbidities would be launched from January 10," he said.
PM's action is a model for world
Prime Minister Modi has successfully handled the Covid challenge by leading from the front at a time when the world had no clue about ways and means to deal with Corona, Bommai said warmly applauding the Prime Minister.
The Chief Minister mentioned that Modi’s time to time effective measures from the public health perspective and handling of the economic slump has been a model for the entire world.
“PM's Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, especially financial assistance for health sector, directions for the states at various stages, making the people to involve in this fight, vaccination of 140cr people and coverage of 97% of the population under the vaccination programme has been a record,’’ Bommai said.
Ministers Dr K Sudhakar, V Somanna and B A Basavaraj and senior officials were also present on the occasion.