In Karnataka, people who test positive for COVID-19 now need to isolate at home for seven days because of the rise in COVID cases. Additionally, those who have symptoms and are primary contacts should get tested. This decision was made by a cabinet sub-committee on COVID-19, led by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, during their Tuesday meeting.
The move comes in response to the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant. The government will soon release guidelines on this matter. Out of the 74 new cases reported on Tuesday, 57 are in Bengaluru. Currently, the state has 34 cases of the JN.1 variant.
Gundu Rao assured the media that the government is well-prepared, and there’s no cause for alarm. Out of 430 active cases, 400 are in home isolation, and the rest are in hospitals, with 7-8 patients in the ICU. Genome sequencing has been done, including 34 cases of the JN.1 variant, mostly in Bangalore. Rao said the importance of social distancing and mentioned plans for booster vaccines for the elderly. Around 30,000 vaccines are being procured, with health workers receiving the anti-flu vaccine. As the New Year approaches, people are advised to maintain physical distancing.
| Also Read: The Emergence of JN.1 Variant in India |
The state also recorded two deaths from COVID-19. Employees working for the government or private companies and in-home isolation will be given seven days of leave. Doctors and staff from UPHCs and Namma clinics will visit those in home isolation and general ward COVID admissions. The goal is to conduct around 5,000 COVID tests every day.
Currently, there are no restrictions on celebrating New Year or traveling between states. Senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions must wear masks. Parents are advised not to send their children to school if they have symptoms like fever, cold, or cough until these symptoms go away.
