Karnataka On Alert As Covid-19 Cases Surge In Neighbouring Kerala; Health Minister Urges Calm Amid 58 Active Cases

Amid a rise in Covid-19 cases in Kerala, Karnataka has initiated precautionary measures to address any potential surge in infections, announced Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday (17 December).

Following a press conference held after a meeting with health department officials, Rao said, "today we had a meeting with the officials where directions were issued to purchase testing kits through Karnataka Medical Supplies Corporation. We have asked officials to procure test kits, which include RT-PCR tests, Rapid Antigen Test, and VTM (Viral Transport Medium)."

In addition to acquiring testing kits, officials have been instructed to conduct mock drills in all hospitals to assess bed capacity, including ICU beds, oxygen availability, and medicine supplies.

As reported by Hindustan Times, minister Rao emphasised the importance of preparedness, stating, "though the situation is not alarming, and we should not think in that manner, we should be prepared in case the (Covid-like) situation recurs. In the event of any shortcoming, it should be rectified now itself."

While acknowledging the surge in Covid cases in Kerala, Rao assured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern.

Despite the detection of the subvariant JN.1 in Kerala, Rao ruled out the need to restrict movement on the border at present, citing the government's implementation of precautionary measures.

Currently, Karnataka has 58 active cases, with 11 hospitalised and one Covid-related death, compounded by other comorbidities.