Masks, vaccine, isolation: Karnataka issues Covid guidelines amid JN.1 surge

Masks, vaccine, isolation: Karnataka issues Covid guidelines amid JN.1 surge

mangaloretoday.com

Bengaluru, Dec 27, 2023: Amidst the spike in JN.1 coronavirus variant infections in the state, the Karnataka government’s cabinet sub-committee on coronavirus issued a set of preventive directives on Tuesday.

 

The precautionary measures include adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour, such as wearing masks in public, maintaining social distancing, seven days of home isolation for infected individuals, and refraining from sending children with symptoms to schools.

The government sub-committee, which held a review meeting on Tuesday, also advised the elderly and those with comorbidities to receive a ’precautionary vaccine.’ To facilitate this, the government decided to procure 30,000 doses of the Corbevax vaccine from the Centre.

However, State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that the government is not imposing any restrictions on New Year celebrations and gatherings. The government will be issuing detailed guidelines in this regard.

"The guidelines are- everyone is advised to wear masks, especially those above 60 years of age and those with comorbidities compulsorily. Children, those with symptoms like cold, fever among other things should not be sent to school and remain at home under watch, also tested if required," news agency PTI quotes the Health Minister.

The minister also emphasised that individuals infected with Covid should undergo home isolation for a week unless hospitalisation is necessary.

“All those who undergo home isolation and are working in government and non-government sectors should be given mandatory casual leave for a week, while those hospitalised should be given special leave for the hospitalisation period and guidelines will be issued on this," the minister added.

As of the latest count, the state has reported 34 cases of the JN.1 variant, including three deaths. Out of the 69 JN.1 cases registered across the country, Karnataka has emerged as the highest contributor. Despite these numbers, the minister emphasised that there is no need for panic at present.

The state government has instructed health authorities to intensify testing and review health facilities, including oxygen and bed availability. Additionally, instructions have been given to conduct a death audit in the state.

On Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation regarding the JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus in the state. During the meeting, he directed officials to ensure that individuals aged 60 and above use masks both indoors and outdoors.