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JN.1 Covid variant: Karnataka government makes masks compulsory for senior citizens, people with comorbidities

The Health Minister emphasised that while there is no immediate cause for alarm, it's important for vulnerable groups to take extra precautions.

ByChetana Belagere

Published Dec 18, 2023 | 3:33 PM ⚊UpdatedDec 18, 2023 | 10:52 PM

Dinesh Gundu Rao held a high-level meeting with experts from the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee. (Supplied)

In response to the rise of Covid-19 cases in Kerala and other states, the Karnataka government has made masks compulsory for senior citizens and those with comorbidities.

Speaking to media in Kodagu, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “This recommendation comes as a precautionary measure following the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19 in a 79-year-old woman in Kerala.”

The Health Minister emphasised that while there is no immediate cause for alarm, it’s important for vulnerable groups, particularly those over 60 years, those with cardiac issues, and those with other concomitant conditions, to take extra precautions.

In response to the rise of #COVID19 cases in #Kerala and other states, the Karnataka government has made masks compulsory for senior citizens and those with comorbidities.

Health Minister @dineshgrao emphasised that while there is no immediate cause for alarm, it’s important for… pic.twitter.com/kP5VVVa0mQ

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 18, 2023

TAC meeting held

The Health Minister held a meeting with Health Department officials and also experts from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Sunday, 17 December, to discuss necessary measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The experts suggested making masks compulsory for those above 60 years of age and those with comorbidity. Along with this, district hospitals in Karnataka have been informed to prepare adequately, ensuring the availability of oxygen cylinders, beds, and medicines.

The health authorities have also been advised to conduct mock drills to be ready for any situation.

The Health Minister stressed the importance of not panicking while urging the public to follow necessary precautions, such as wearing masks and using sanitisers. These measures are part of a broader strategy to manage the situation effectively and ensure public health and safety.

I request the public not to panic about the new sub-variant of coronavirus in the state. However, I urge those above 60 years of age and those suffering from cold, cough, fever, or comorbidities like heart and kidney-related diseases to wear masks compulsorily.

As a… pic.twitter.com/55peHWUPBp

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) December 18, 2023

Also Read: Experts seek measures against likely spike after Kerala reports new variant of Covid-19

Border districts monitored

The Health Minister also informed that the TAC has advised extra surveillance and monitoring of districts bordering Kerala.

The situation is being closely monitored, with both the Karnataka and Kerala governments taking steps to ramp up efforts in response to the new variant.

Meanwhile, increased testing and vigilance have been recommended. The state has also made it compulsory for SARI (severe acute respiratory syndrome), ILI (influenza-like infections) patients and also those coming to hospitals with Covid-19 like respiratory symptoms.