47 active Covid cases in Karnataka; govt to review situation before reopening schools

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 26, 2025: With Covid-19 cases being reported again, the state government will review the situation after three to four days and decide on reopening schools and colleges, according to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

"This sub-strain of the (novel) coronavirus is not dangerous. However, since schools and colleges are reopening, the situation will be reviewed in the next three to four days and the steps to be taken will be decided," he told reporters on Sunday.

On Sunday, health authorities reported that nine new Covid-19 cases had been reported in the state, taking the number of active cases to 47.

A total of 104 samples, including 96 RT-PCR, have been tested for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The infection rate is 8.65%. Of the active cases, 46 are under home care and one is undergoing treatment at a private hospital, the  department said.

A total of 98 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the state this year and 50 patients have already recovered.

On May 17, an 84-year-old-man with severe comorbidities died in Bengaluru. His Covid-19 test results came positive on May 23.

The health minister clarified that Covid patients are recovering without special care and that there is no need to worry. "Testing kits are being sent to laboratories to increase Covid testing. Further steps will be taken as per the instructions of the Centre and the advice of experts. In the current situation, there is no need for measures like restrictions at the border," he stated.

"The necessary kits for Covid testing are available in the state. Testing is being conducted for those facing acute respiratory distress (ARD) and various health problems. Currently, since the number of Covid cases is low, testing is being conducted only at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) locations," he added.

The minister reported that currently 2,500 rapid antigen kits, 1.30 lakh RNA kits, and 2 lakh VTM kits are available for Covid testing.

The test kits have been distributed to 10 laboratories, including Nimhans, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), and the National Institute of Virology’s (NIV) Bengaluru unit. Instructions have also been given to purchase 5,000 RT-PCR test kits per month, he said.