From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 9: Even as people all over the country and in the world are scared of the spread of the deadly Corona Virus, widely known as Covid-19, and authorities have been taking all precautions to check the menace, Karnataka is so far safe as no case of COVID-19 has been found in the State till date, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

He, however, declared that the State Government has strengthened all surveillance and containment measures against the possible spread of COVID-19 in the State.

In a statement in the State Assembly during the zero hour, the Medical Education Minister said as on Monday, 87,066 passengers have been screened in the State.

A total of 57,430 passengers at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, 24,380 passengers at Mangaluru International Airport, and 5256 passengers have been screened at Mangaluru and Karwar sea ports.

A special 104 Arogya Sahayavani (call centre) has been reserved for receiving calls for COVID-19 and 1,120 calls have been received till date, who have been provided with necessary guidance.

A total of 890 persons have been identified for observation and of them 258 persons have completed 28 days of observation and 622 persons are continuing home quarantine. 

Dr Sudhakar said six persons have been admitted in selected isolation hospitals till Monday. As many as 416 samples of symptomatic persons are sent for testing and 357 samples are reported as negative and remaining 59 samples results awaited.

The minister said deputy commissioners have been instructed to take up awareness programmes in their respective districts.

Necessary guidelines have been issued for hotel owners and malls. He also appealed to the public to avoid gathering or meetings of large number of people.

The Minister said all those who affected by symptoms of the disease have to wear the N-95 masks.

As a precautionary measure, more than 3000 beds have been earmarked in different hospitals of the state for treating the patients. Beds at Akash Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Devanahalli, near the airport, have been set aside for observing particularly air passengers.

JD(S) member K L Lingesh wanted the Government to take steps to for screening all legislators before entering the House.

He suggested that necessity of screening all people visiting the State Secretariat and using public transport must be taken up.

Several members expressed their apprehensions about the spread of the disease and urged the Government to take strict precautionary measures.