From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Apr 25: Wearing masks and maintaining social distancing has been made mandatory in crowded places and indoors in view of the sudden spurt in Covid infection cases.
This was decided at a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in view of the looming threat of Covid 4th Wave in the country.
Briefing reporters after the meeting chaired by Bommai at the Chief Minister’s Home Office of Krishna, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar said the State Government has released a fresh set of guidelines to be followed in view of the fears of Covid 4th Wave.
Revenue Minister R Ashok, members of the Covid Technical Advisory Committee and senior officials attended the meeting.
Dr Sudhakar asked the people to be more vigilant and careful and take the precautionary or booster dose to develop immunity against the pandemic.
Though those not wearing masks will not be fined, the minister appealed to the people to be cautious and take precautions in their own interest and also their neighbours and loved ones. ``We need to take the adherence to the guidelines very seriously,’’ he said.
1.9% cases in BBMP limits
In the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, he said 1.9% of cases have been registered and, therefore, it is necessary to be cautious.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed that not taking vaccines was the main reason for the spike in the infections, he said urging all people to take the vaccines and also the precautionary third does.
The Health Minister said South Korea, Thailand and Japan have been reporting more cases on a daily bases. In view of the situation, more vigilance is being followed in the airports on people returning from those countries. Along with the returnees, their contacts and fellow travellers are also being tracked. Tele-monitoring is also being done, he said.
Dr Sudhakar said 10,000 Covid testing is being done across the State on a daily basis. Testing is also being done for those with symptoms based on the Government of India guidelines.
He said further steps will be announced after the video conference meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with all Chief Ministers of States and Health Ministers on April 27.