Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan said that there was no proposal before the government for a lockdown. “Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has clarified this. The stance of the government is that both life and livelihood are important and strict measures have been taken accordingly,” he pointed out.
The minister has asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials to increase the number of COVID-19 tests to more than 10,000 a day in the west zone of Bengaluru city, in light of the increase in cases in recent days. He added that there was no shortage of beds in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of hospitals in the west zone.
“At present, 6,000 people are being tested every day and this would be enhanced to 8,000 with immediate effect. Measures have also been taken to increase it to 10,000 tests every day,” Ashwath Narayan said at a meeting in the BBMP Joint Commissioner’s office in Malleswaram.
It was also decided to trace at least 20 primary and secondary contacts of COVID-19 patients and conduct tests for them. Those who test positive can undergo home quarantine with required medication provided to them.
In a statement released by the office of Ashwath Narayan, it was said that “about 4,500 infected persons in the west zone are getting treatment staying in their residences. They are being given medical kits as per COVID guidelines and are being followed up. Apart from this, 700 patients have got admitted to hospitals.”
24-hour helpline
Information on the testing centres will be spread through various media, the release said. COVID-19 helpline (080-68248454) will function 24/7.
“The number of mobile teams working in the zone will be increased to 100 from the present 84 and results of COVID-19 tests would be made available within 24 hours of collecting the sample,” Ashwath Narayan explained.
The Deputy CM said there was a good response for the vaccination campaign in the west zone and that 45% of the target was achieved.