Karnataka government issues Covid advisory amid spike in cases, urges people above 60 years to wear masks | Guidelines here

There was a spike in Covid cases in Karnataka after the detection of the JN.1 subvariant in neighboring Kerala.

New Delhi: Amid the spike in Covid cases, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory urging people above 60 years of age, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and lactating mothers to wear face masks outdoors. The government has also asked them to strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas.

There was a spike in Covid cases in Karnataka after the detection of the JN.1 subvariant in neighboring Kerala. “All elderly people (60 years and above), co-morbid (especially with kidney, heart, liver diseases, etc.), pregnant women and lactating mothers, when outdoors, should wear face masks and strictly avoid entering closed, poorly ventilated areas and visit busy areas. areas,” said the advisory from Randeep D, Commissioner for Health and Family Welfare.

Key points from the Karnataka government circular on Covid:

The Karnataka government has issued an advisory urging people above 60 years of age, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and lactating mothers to wear face masks when outdoors.
The government has asked them to strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas.
The government has asked authorities in districts bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu to be vigilant
The Karnataka government has asked to ensure adequate testing and timely reporting of Covid cases.
In the context of the emergence of the JN.1 subvariant, the ongoing winter and the expected crowds, especially in closed spaces during the end-of-year and New Year’s festivities, the general public is advised to observe precautionary measures.
Anyone with respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, cold and runny nose should seek early medical advice
They should wear face masks (covering the nose and mouth) and avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas.
Good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing, is necessary
If you are not feeling well, stay at home and minimize contact with other people, especially seniors and vulnerable people.
Wearing a mask is recommended in crowded places, especially if they are not well ventilated.

“If you travel abroad, remain vigilant and take relevant travel precautions, such as wearing a mask at the airport and on airplanes and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation,” the advisory said.
At this point, there is no need to panic or immediately intensify cross-border surveillance (i.e. in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu) by imposing restrictions.

“However, all districts bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu must be vigilant and ensure adequate testing and timely reporting of Covid cases. Testing of all cases of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and at least 1 in 20 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) for COVID 19 across all private and government agencies. tertiary centers including those in medical colleges should be included,” the circular said.