The positivity rate in Karnataka jumped from 1.06 percent on 21 December to 5.93 percent on 23 December, stated a Covid-19 bulletin.
Published Dec 23, 2023 | 10:16 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 23, 2023 | 10:16 PM
Karnataka has intensified testing across the state. (Representational image)
Covid-19 cases in Karnataka breached the 100 mark on Saturday, 23 December, with 104 positive cases as opposed to 78 cases on Friday. A Covid-19 bulletin released by the Department of Health showed that the positivity rate has jumped in just three days from 1.06 percent on 21 December to 5.93 percent on 23 December.
The active cases in the state now stands at 271. However, no new hospitalisations were reported on Saturday.
“We are watching on the positivity rate. However, the number of tests conducted were lesser (1,752) when compared to Friday (2,366). So, if we had tested more, the positivity rate would be less. What’s important is that we don’t have any hospitalisations,” said Dr Ravi K, Head of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for Covid-19, Government of Karnataka, to South First.
Meanwhile, several experts have told South First that the number of Covid-19 cases may go up and it is not surprising. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also, in its risk analysis of JN.1, said that the variant has shown a rapid increase in prevalence across several countries and WHO regions.
“Despite this growth, there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in healthcare system pressure. The JN.1 also exhibits some enhanced immune evasion capabilities due to specific spike mutations. However, the level of risk is moderate,” the WHO said.
The WHO also spoke about severity and clinical considerations, while considering the data from Belgium and Singapore, and stated that the data suggests that no significant difference in hospitalisation odds or severity of JN.1 cases was seen compared to other variants.
However, a renowned epidemiologist, who did not want to be named, told South First, “Infections will spread more, however, hospitalisations may not increase that much compared to the second wave.”
Meanwhile, the state Health Department is also keenly watching the hospital admission trend. They are also watching the recovery trend as well.
“We have seen that those testing positive are recovering well. There have been no clinical complications,” said Dr Ravi. It can be noted that in Karnataka, Bengaluru has the highest number of active cases (234), followed by Mysuru (12), as of Saturday.
Meanwhile, the TAC committee has instructed the state Health Department to send all the Covid-19 samples with a CT value more than 25 for genome sequencing.
Dr Ravi told South First that they have also instructed the officials to send the samples of those who died due to Covid-19. “We are awaiting the reports of the genome tests. Even if there is a finding of JN.1 variant in any of the samples sent, people need not panic. It is not leading to an increase in hospitalisation, as of now.”
Speaking to South First, Randeep D, Commissioner, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said that the department has so far sent 176 samples to National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) for genome sequencing. “We have sent those Covid samples which has CT value above 25. On 21 December, we sent 39; 70 were sent on 22 December, and 67 on 23 December. Reports are awaited.”
Meanwhile, the Viral Transport Medium kits and Rapid Antigen Test kits that were ordered will be arriving in the city on Saturday, the commissioner said.
“30,000 VTM kits and 10,000 RAT kits were distributed to all the district from Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd and all consignees are in transit and same quantity will be issued tomorrow and day after tomorrow,” he stated.
Despite the level of preparedness, officials stressed the need for wearing masks, to not only protect oneself but others as well. He said, “By now, we all know that the wearing of masks can give ultimate protection, not only to oneself but also to others. We must take onus of our own health and wear a mask to protect ourselves from getting the infection.”
