From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Apr 6: Karnataka is in the 6th position in the country with over 48 lac people receiving the Covid vaccine shots already, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar told media in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The Health and Family Welfare Minister said the State has vaccinated 48.05 lac people till yesterday and 1,95,554 people have got the jab in last 24 hours.
Over 22.5 lac people who received vaccination are above the age of 60 years, he said pointing out that 10.4 lac people are in the 45-59 age group.
Karnataka is in 6th position in the country in implementing the vaccination drive. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are other states leading the drive, he said.
He said the Union government has responded positively for our request and provided additional 15 lac dosages of vaccine yesterday, he added
Mortality among young, middle age group is cause of concern
Dr Sudhakar said more than 1 lac cases have been reported in the country in last 24 hours and the mortality rate is also increasing.
“High mortality rate among middle aged and young people is a serious matter of concern. I have directed the Technical Advisory Committee to conduct a death audit,’’ he said.
The Health Minister said the second wave is spreading faster now than the first wave last year.
“We cannot predict the severity of the situation right now, but we are prepared,’’ he said.
As many as 33,697 beds have been reserved for Covid cases in the State, the minister said.
There are 15,733 oxygenated beds available in government hospitals out of which 10,083 beds have been reserved for Covid cases.
“We have also directed the private hospitals to increase the Covid reserved beds to 20%. We need to increase the number if more cases are detected, people have to be cautious in this situation,’’ he said.
The Minister said, “We have received requests from movie industry to remove the restrictions on occupancy and allow 100% seating in cinema halls. I will discuss the issue with Chief Minister, who will then take a decision.’’
The Technical Advisory Committee has submitted a report 20 days back regarding the guidelines to be followed in cinema halls, marriage halls, public transport, schools etc.
The Chief Minister has taken the decision after consulting with everyone concerned.
“Maharashtra has announced strict measures including weekend lockdowns. We should not push ourselves to similar situation in our State. People should cooperate in this regard,’’ he said.
Vaccine will reduce severity in infection
It is not true that one will become completely immunised from Covid infection once he/she is vaccinated. However, severity of infection will be less in those who have received vaccination, he explained.
“People who have got vaccine are not facing severity in infection. We have seen instances where those who have not taken vaccine are getting admitted to ICUs. I urge all eligible persons to take the vaccine without any hesitation,’’ the Minister said.
Health workers have to be model to the society in getting the vaccine. If they are not getting it, we cannot ask others to take it, he said.