From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Dec 4: Even as the country and the world is anxiously waiting for the vaccine to tackle the Corona pandemic, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar has warned against the possibility of a second wave in the early months of New Year and said there was greater need to be ``extra cautious’’ from December 20, 2020 to January 2, 2021.
“The 15 days from December 20 to January 2 are going to be very crucial,’’ said Dr Sudhakar, who is also the Medical Education Minister.
Speaking to the media after a COVID review meeting with the experts in the Technical Advisory Committee at Vidhana Soudha on Friday, the minister said the winter months of December, January and February are conducive for spread of virus.
“The next 45 days are crucial for containing the virus,’’ he said.
As per the record of other countries, he said it is observed that second wave occurred between 45 to 90 days of the receding of initial wave.
According to the Technical advisory committee report, there are all possibilities of a second wave in the state too.
Detailed discussion has been done in the meeting regarding precautionary measures to be taken during this period, Dr Sudhaka said.
Public gathering during these 15 days must be handled with utmost precaution. Marriage functions should not exceed 100 members gathering, religious activities and political events should not exceed 200 members.
Apart from this, use of masks, maintain social distancing and other guidelines are to be meticulously followed. It is important to contain public gatherings.
He said discussion will be held with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa regarding this and the State Government will soon announce the next set of steps.
‘New Year celebrations are meaningless’
“New Year is not a festival for Indians. There is no meaning in celebrations when there is loss of lives and livelihoods in the society,’’ the minister said.
Dr Sudhakar felt it is meaningless to celebrate New Year at this juncture. People should be sensible and follow the guidelines, said the minister.
Other points made by the minister
• Government and Private hospitals are always ready for treating COVID patients. Instruction have been passed to increase the number of beds if need arises.
• COVID testing will continue till end of February, Instructions are passed to conduct 1 lac RTPCT tests per day.
• A meeting will be held during the third week of December to decide whether the schools and colleges are to be opened or not.