Amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told health authorities that there is no need to panic, but urged them to stay prepared. The CM was speaking at a review meeting with state Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao on May 26. Authorities have been directed to come up with a tentative plan without creating any public panic. The state Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil, senior officials and other medical experts were also present at the review meeting.
A series of preventive measures were also issued to protect vulnerable groups, asking pregnant women,the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions to wear masks in public spaces. Considering the rise in cases, the CM advised parents to avoid sending their children to school if they show signs of flu or cold. Further, schools have been put on alert and have been instructed to keep an eye on students for flu-like symptoms. Students showing any such symptoms are to be sent home immediately.
Siddaramaiah also said that inter-hospital transfers of pregnant women with complications must be avoided adding that all hospitals must be fully equipped to treat them locally.
Additionally, the CM said that the state is carrying out testing for cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI). Siddaramaiah urged health officials to monitor trends weekly, or every three days if needed, and to consider airport screening if the situation worsens. He also directed health staff to avoid going on leave and remain at their designated work locations.
He further directed officials to spread accurate public health information and updates through social media.
Active COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 80 on May 26, following the detection of 37 new infections, according to the Karnataka Health Department. Bengaluru accounted for 35 of these new cases reported on May 26. Bengaluru also accounts for 73 of the total 80 active cases statewide. The daily rate of positive cases stood at 19.37%, the department's bulletin stated.