From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Belgavi, Dec 22: In view of the increase in Covid cases in several countries and the discovery of new variants, it has been decided to conduct mandatory Covid test for those with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in Karnataka, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar announced on Thursday, December 22.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting under the chairmanship of chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Covid management in Belagavi, the minister said, “In view of the increase in Covid cases in several countries including China, a high-level meeting was chaired by the chief minister with Technical Advisory Committee and senior officials to discuss prevention and mitigation of infection in the state.

He said 2,000 to 3,000 people are already being tested for COVID-19 every day. Additionally, it has been decided that mandatory covid test will be conducted for those with ILI and SARI in the state.

An advisory will be issued making masks mandatory in indoor, closed and air-conditioned places, he said.

“Union Government guidelines will be followed for random testing and screening passengers arriving from abroad at international airports. Some people are already being tested at the airport,” Minister Sudhakar said.

He said: “Oxygen plants have been installed at many hospitals. We will see to it that they are functioning properly. We have decided to reserve some beds in district hospitals for Covid."

He said private hospitals will also be instructed to reserve beds as well.

A meeting is being held at the union government level and a new guidelines will be released in the state based on the centre's guidelines

Third dose

As the number of Covid cases decreased, people become complacent in getting the third dose of the vaccine. Due to this only 20% progress has been made in 3rd dose vaccination.

“We will organize special vaccination camps across the state to achieve 100% coverage even in the 3rd dose. We have also given instructions to ensure sufficient stock of vaccines for these special vaccination camps,” Dr Sudhakar said.

'Don’t believe in hearsay'

People should get the third dose as soon as possible and not be complacent. It also came up in the house whether there are any side effects if the third dose is taken. No one should listen to such apprehensions. There is no scientific evidence that the vaccine poses any risk, he said.

“We can protect ourselves from Covid by getting vaccinated. Mask should also be worn,” he advised.

Minister Sudhakar requested people to follow precautionary measures so that the new mutant strain of COVID-19 does not have any effect.

'Common sense'

Dr Sudhakar said 100 days have passed since the Congress party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra started.

“In these three months no one talked about Covid. So are we the ones who caused an increase of Covid cases in China and America? The minister criticized Congress leaders stating that they should have at least a little bit of common sense before making allegations,’’ he added.