Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Dec 22: Though it is winter in the state, the public is showing as if there is no effect of coronavirus pandemic at all in Karnataka as the cases of infections have come down drastically. However, the members of the technical committee of the government of Karnataka have warned people that the scare of second wave of coronavirus is still on and is expected to hit the state during the end of January 2021.

The technical committee for control of coronavirus pandemic formed by the government, headed by Dr M K Sudarshan, has submitted its report to the government in which has alerted the government that the second wave of coronavirus pandemic is likely to hit the state at the end of January or beginning of February 2021. It has asked the government to take necessary precautions from now itself. The committee has also alerted the government that if no guidelines are followed during Christmas and New Year celebration, then the wave might hit sooner than the expected time period.

Giving details on the subject, Dr Sachidananda, vice chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi Health University and member of the technical committee for coronavirus pandemic control in Karnataka said, "Coronavirus pandemic will not come under control until the vaccine arrives and more number of people take the same. At present the number of cases per day have come down to less than 1,000. However, as the winter continues till the month of March, if people lose their alertness, the second wave might hit anytime.

"Citizens have to compulsorily wear face masks and also follow social distancing. According to the recent guideline published by the government more than 100 people cannot attend a marriage function. For political and religious events, the number of participants is restricted to 200. For funeral rites only 50 people are allowed. These have to be followed strictly. In addition, guidelines for New Year celebration also have to be followed,” he said.

Dr Giridhar Babu, one more member of the technical committee said, "Coronavirus has completely changed its symptoms in London. They have imposed lockdown now. So in Karnataka, the public should not show any negligence. All the guidelines given by the government should be strictly followed. Though the government has said that the vaccine will arrive in January 2021, those who require it very urgently will be vaccinated first and for others it will be distributed in phases. So all have to be careful till the vaccine is available."

One more member of the technical committee, who wanted to remain anonymous said, "Karnataka has also got the concern of a second wave like many countries in the world. Second wave might get created after 45 days of reduction of infection of the first wave. So the next 20 days should be considered as critical."