The Karnataka Health Department on Tuesday issued an advisory for senior citizens and a few others to wear masks in public places amid a rise in the cases of Covid-19 cases in the neighbouring state of Kerala.
The advisory has been issued based on recommendations made by the Karnataka Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) after a meeting on December 17. Another meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
“All elderly (60 years and above) comorbid, particularly with kidney, heart, liver ailments etc, pregnant women, and lactating mothers when outdoors shall wear face masks and strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated and crowded areas,” the advisory issued by the office of D Randeep, Health Commissioner, said.
“In the context of the current scenario of Covid-19 in the country and the emergence of JN.1 sub-variant in neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu states and the ongoing winter and the expected crowding particularly in close spaces during the year-end and New Year festivities, the general public are advised to comply with precautionary measures, which are also advised by the Covid 19 State Technical Advisory Committee,” the advisory said.
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According to state-wise data available from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as of Tuesday, Karnataka has seen an increase of 16 Covid-19 cases and Kerala has seen a spike of 112 cases since Monday. One death has been reported in Karnataka linked to Covid 19 in the last two days.
The advisory said those with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, cold, and running nose must seek medical consultation early. “They should wear face masks (covering nose and mouth) and avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated and crowded areas,” it added.
Good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is necessary, staying at home when unwell and minimising contact with other people especially the elderly, said the advisory.
The Karnataka Health Department said it has also taken up a few proactive measures in the light of caution from the Centre and the TAC.
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“As per GOI guidelines at present, there is no need to panic or immediately ramp up the cross border (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) surveillance by imposing restrictions. However, all bordering districts of the state to Kerala and Tamil Nadu have to be vigilant and ensure adequate testing and timely reporting of Covid cases,” the health department said.
The state has recommended the testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases and at least one in 20 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases for Covid-19 at all private and government tertiary centres including those in medical colleges.
Whole Genome Sequencing has been advised for samples from symptomatic persons with recent foreign travel history, from representative samples in clusters with severe morbidity or mortality, and cases of all Covid-19 reinfection, infection in vaccinated individuals and Covid-19 death cases.
All health facilities have been asked to conduct drills for preparedness in the third and fourth week of December.
On Monday, State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had hinted that masks for the elderly will be recommended by the health department.
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