Karnataka: Health department to ensure broad-based testing after surge in cases

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A total of 69 Covid-19 patients – 57 in general beds, two in oxygen-supported beds and 10 in ICU wards – are currently admitted in government hospitals in Karnataka.
Health commissioner Randeep D said, “We will ensure there is more broad-based testing of the contacts… All primary contacts irrespective of whether they are asymptomatic or symptomatic have to be tested. The hospitals have been told to test those with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) symptoms. High-risk groups should not be left out since they are vulnerable. These have been reiterated to the state appointed Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) last week.”
In a recently held meeting, the TAC had suggested the government penalise those not wearing masks in public places.
Randeep said, “Penalising is a larger call of the government. However, the marshals are enforcing the wearing of masks in malls and public places. The health department is not authorised to penalise.”
Following the surge in cases, the health department has also written to the medical education department to keep beds ready to deal with emergency situations.
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