Karnataka second in active Covid-19 cases, decides to ramp up daily tests

As of December 20, Karnataka ranks second in the nation for total active Covid-19 cases, following Kerala, as per data presented during a Union Health Ministry review meeting on public health readiness. The country reported a total of 2,305 active cases, with Kerala recording 2,041 cases and Karnataka having 79 cases. Fortunately, these cases are predominantly mild. In a virtual meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and attended by Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, it was highlighted that Karnataka leads the country in the daily number of tests conducted.

The state is conducting more than 1,000 tests a day and by Saturday, it will touch 5,000. The Union Health Minister emphasised the need for proactive preparations to tackle the rising Covid-19 cases in the country. He further stressed the need to ensure sufficient supply of oxygen, medicines and improved storage facilities. He also called for setting up more ICUs and beds in hospitals. Karnataka has taken steps to put these measures in place, Gundu Rao elaborated.

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Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on active cases in Karnataka

“They shared that the new variant, JN.1, is virulent in many countries. But its impact is not dangerous and deadly when compared to Omicron,” Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said and added that there is no need to panic. But people should always be alert.

During the virtual meeting, Gundu Rao said that he highlighted the financial burden on the states due to the maintenance of ventilators received under the PM Cares scheme and sought funds for the same. 

On whether there will be restrictions in areas on Kerala and Tamil Nadu borders, Gundu Rao said, “I too raised this query with the Union Health Minister. The Minister did not favour any restrictions. We will monitor the border areas and test only those who are symptomatic. All patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI) at government and private hospitals must mandatorily take COVID-19 tests,” he said.

He said steps have been taken to procure RTPCR and VTM (viral transport medium) testing kits to ramp up the number of tests. They will be procured along with PPE kits and masks. 

“The fee for Covid-19 test in private hospitals will be fixed after a high-level meeting to be chaired by CM Siddaramaiah on Thursday,” he said. He clarified that there is no need to impose any restrictions for Christmas or New Year celebrations.

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