“Stay Calm: Karnataka Government’s Considerate Guidance for Senior Citizens Amid COVID-19 Challenges”
Bangalore :- In response to the rising Covid-19 cases in neighboring Kerala, the Karnataka Health Department issued guidelines on Tuesday, recommending the use of masks for senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities. The advisory, based on recommendations from the Karnataka Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), emphasized the need for precautionary measures amid the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The advisory, issued by Health Commissioner D Randeep’s office, specifically outlined that individuals aged 60 and above, those with comorbidities (such as kidney, heart, or liver ailments), pregnant women, and lactating mothers should wear face masks when outdoors. It urged strict avoidance of closed, poorly ventilated, and crowded areas.
Given the current Covid-19 scenario, the advisory called on the general public to comply with precautionary measures suggested by the Covid-19 State Technical Advisory Committee. It highlighted the importance of early medical consultation for those experiencing respiratory symptoms and advised wearing masks in such cases.
The advisory stressed the significance of good personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, staying at home when unwell, and minimizing contact, particularly with the elderly. The Health Department mentioned proactive measures taken in response to guidance from the Centre and TAC.
While reporting an increase of 16 Covid-19 cases in Karnataka and 112 cases in Kerala since Monday, the advisory recommended testing all Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases and at least one in 20 Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases for Covid-19 at private and government tertiary centers.
Additionally, Whole Genome Sequencing has been advised for specific cases, including those with recent foreign travel history, severe morbidity or mortality clusters, reinfection, vaccination breakthrough cases, and Covid-19-related deaths. The Health Department reassured that, per Government of India guidelines, there is no immediate need for panic or enhanced cross-border surveillance but emphasized vigilance in bordering districts.
