From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Mar 25: With 1,400 Covid positive cases reported in Bengaluru, the highest in the last four months, the state government has made the RT-PCR test mandatory for all persons arriving in Bengaluru from any state.
Health and family welfare minister Dr K Sudhakar expressed concern that there was a spike in cases every day recently.
"As of now, there is a restriction to arrivals only from Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Chandigarh. But now going forward, it is applicable to all states,’’ he announced.
"The restriction of 200 people for functions in closed premises and 500 people for functions in open space premises has been imposed. Every ward in the city has been provided with one ambulance. It can also be increased depending on the number of cases. Protocols will be implemented for care and treatment of infected persons,’’ said the minister.
Dr Sudhakar said certain places which have high footfall and dense public places will be sanitized to control the spread. Information regarding the availability of beds and ICUs will be made available online.
"People’s cooperation is crucial to make Namma Bengaluru Covid-free,’’ the minister said.
Hand-stamping
The minister said that it has been decided to put a hand-stamp on all infected persons residing in BBMP limits.
Even young and asymptomatic persons can spread the infection if they go out. To control such movements it is decided to stamp on hand, he said.
Mutant version of virus
The state government has decided to give vaccination for persons aged above 45 years. The mutant virus has been reported in India. Mutant version is found in 700 cases so far, he said.
As per experts, Dr Sudhakar said the mutant version of the Covid virus spreads faster than the original one.
"Therefore, it is requested to be careful for the next 2 months. We are tracing out 20 contacts for each infected person,’’ said the minister.
With dates for by-elections announced in the state, he said elections are not insulated from spreading infection. It is important to restrict gatherings.
"I will speak to Election Commission officials in this regard. We have also requested cinema stars to join hands with the government in this fight against Covid pandemic,’’ he said.
After visiting the Victoria Hospital in the city, he said that 400 beds have been reserved for Covid patients here.
"We will increase the number of beds if required. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Communicable Diseases, Bowring hospital and Charaka Hospital will also be utilized for Covid treatment if required,’’ he said.
"We have also spoken to private hospitals to be on standby, though the cases are not as huge as it was in the beginning, they have to be ready,’’ he added.