From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 28: Elaborate guidelines for ensuring the New Year celebrations were conducted in a 'simple and meaningful' manner in Karnataka will be issued by the state government shortly, announced health and family welfare minister Dr K Sudhakar on Monday.

Speaking to the media persons after a meeting home minister Basavaraj Bommai, Dr Sudhakar said it is important to make sure the new year is celebrated in a simple manner in the backdrop of COVID-19.

The guidelines will consist of rules to be followed in Bengaluru and other parts of the state, he said.

Dr K Sudhakar

The minister said officials have been instructed to immediately locate those who have returned from the United Kingdom but are not available to be contacted.

All forms of information have been provided by the department of health, and all persons from the UK will be found within two days, he assured.

Some of the UK returnees have switched off their phones and are unavailable.

"It is a crime to not get in touch without being tested. Of those from the UK, 26 have been tested positive for Corona’’ he said pointing out that the samples are being studied at Nimhans.

The minister performed foundation stone laying ceremony for the Homeopathy and Unani University near Magadi Road.

Speaking after the ceremony, he said that the demand for Unani and Homeopathy medication has increased in the case of COVID.

Students must strive further to make these medical practices. The government gives special priority to the AYUSH department, he said.

Dr Sudhakar said there is a proposal to allow AYUSH doctors to work at the primary health centres which will be upgraded soon. The doctors should adopt best practices and treat the patients, he advised.