December 26, Karnataka – The state grappled with a surge in COVID cases as the health department reported 74 new infections and two fatalities in its official bulletin on Tuesday. Both deceased individuals had pre-existing health conditions, emphasizing the continued vulnerability of those with comorbidities.
The fatalities, one each from Mysuru and Dakshina Kannada districts, underscore the persisting threat of the virus, pushing the total active cases to 464. Among these, 423 individuals are undergoing home isolation as part of the containment measures, as outlined in the latest data.
A concerning development emerged on Monday as 34 cases of the JN.1 variant were identified in Karnataka. Bengaluru city accounted for 20 of these cases, with additional instances reported from Mysuru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar.
The state government issued guidelines urging specific demographics to exercise heightened caution, especially individuals aged 60 and above, those with underlying health conditions like kidney, heart, or liver ailments, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Recommendations advised against visiting enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas to mitigate potential risks.
With New Year celebrations on the horizon, authorities emphasized the importance of adhering to COVID Appropriate Behavior (CAB), which includes maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, regular hand sanitization, and practicing respiratory hygiene. Those experiencing respiratory symptoms were cautioned against attending festivities and recreational gatherings, advised instead to seek immediate medical attention.
The government indicated the possibility of implementing further measures based on the evolving situation, underlining the need for continued vigilance and responsiveness. Karnataka’s Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, directed health officials to escalate testing efforts across the state, reaffirming the government’s preparedness to address any emerging challenges.
As the state confronts a resurgence of cases and the emergence of variant strains, the collective adherence to precautionary measures remains pivotal in containing the spread and safeguarding public health.
Sources By Agencies
