Karnataka issues Covid-19 advisory as cases spike across country

Bengaluru: With the recent spike in Covid-19 infections across several Indian states, including Karnataka, health authorities have reactivated preventive measures and issued fresh advisories urging citizens to stay vigilant.

The state’s health department, responding to a national rise in Covid-19 cases driven by newer Omicron sub-variants, has advised people to monitor oxygen levels and fever symptoms closely.

Karnataka reported 37 new Covid-19 cases, taking its active caseload to 234, while one death was recorded in the state on Friday.

The advisory, issued to all healthcare workers and institutions, highlights the importance of early detection, especially in cases presenting Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), and patients with co-morbidities.

National situation: Cases surge from 257 to 3,395 in 10 days

India recorded 685 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the national active case count to 3,395, up significantly from 257 on May 22. This surge has raised concerns, especially in Kerala (1,336 active cases), Maharashtra (467), and Delhi (375), the worst-hit states in the current wave.

Karnataka follows, alongside Gujarat and West Bengal, as states witnessing growing numbers.

Four fatalities were recorded on Friday — one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh — bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths in India this year to 26.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) attributes the uptick to new sub-lineages of the Omicron variant — specifically LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1.

However, ICMR Director-General Dr. Rajiv Behl reassured the public that there was no cause for panic, emphasizing continued vigilance.

Karnataka’s measures: From hospitals to helplines

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited KC General Hospital in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, to assess Covid preparedness. “I personally verified the availability and quality of oxygen cylinders, emergency ICU beds, ventilators, masks, and other Covid-related equipment,” he stated.

The Minister also announced plans to launch a dedicated Covid-19 helpline to assist the public and ensure rapid response.

The state health department has urged people with symptoms of SARI or other Covid-like symptoms to get tested promptly.

An advisory sent to all healthcare institutions reiterates the need to report cases regularly via the IDSP-IHIP platform, which is part of India’s integrated disease surveillance effort.

Global and regional context

The resurgence of Covid-19 in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian countries is being closely monitored by Indian authorities. Union Minister of State for Health and AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, assured that the Centre was fully prepared to manage any developing situation and emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Centre and states.

No room for complacency

Despite reassurances from top health authorities, experts underline the importance of community awareness and cooperation. While the number of serious cases remains low, timely treatment and public adherence to guidelines are critical to prevent another large-scale outbreak.

As Karnataka and the rest of India navigate this new wave, the message from health officials is clear: Be alert, not alarmed. Monitor symptoms, get tested early, and follow health advisories.