With the increase in Covid-19 cases in Kerala, the Karnataka state government has proactively taken precautionary measures to address any potential surge in cases. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public on Sunday, urging them not to panic while emphasizing that the situation is currently under control.
Following a meeting with health department officials, Minister Rao announced, ‘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 procuring testing kits, officials have been directed to conduct mock drills in all hospitals to assess bed capacity, including ICU beds, oxygen availability, and medicine supplies. Minister Rao emphasized preparedness and urged officials to rectify any shortcomings now.
‘I have told the officials to be prepared. 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,’ the minister stated.
To further address the situation, Rao has scheduled a meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee on Covid. The committee is led by Dr K Ravi, the head of the Department of Medicine at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).
‘We should be prepared and not allow a disaster to happen. We were not prepared in the past, but after having experienced it, we should gear up now itself,’ Rao emphasized.
Acknowledging the surge in Covid cases in Kerala, Minister Rao assured the public that there is no need for immediate concern. He highlighted the importance of identifying any deficiencies in the system and ensuring preparedness for any potential increase in Covid cases.
‘There is a need to study how the virus and its sub-variants are behaving, he said. Despite the rise in Covid cases in Kerala, including the detection of the JN.1 subvariant, Rao ruled out the need to restrict movement on the border at present. He stated that the government has ensured all precautionary measures and will maintain an extra vigil.
