From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Apr 11: People of Karnataka may have to brace up for the second-wave Covid infection cases to peak in the first week of May and slow down by the end of the month, said health and family welfare minister Dr K Sudhakar.
Experts of the state government constituted high-level Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Covid management have asked the state government to take appropriate steps to be very vigilant till the end of May, Dr Sudhakar said while speaking to reporters after a meeting with the experts of the committee in Bengaluru on Sunday.
"We have to take measures accordingly,’’ he said.
The minister cautioned that all should be vigilant till the end of May.
"If there is a further surge in cases, our health infrastructure will be over-burdened. Experts of TAC have suggested being vigilant at borders and thoroughly test incoming travellers from high caseload states,’’ he said.
Dr Sudhakar said TAC has been directed to come up with a report which will be submitted to chief minister B S Yediyurappa so that further measures can be taken.
He mentioned that the private hospitals have extended their support to the state government.
"We were among the first in the country to start Tele-ICU and private hospitals have also utilised it. We need to further strengthen this system,’’ he said.
He said suggestions that impact economic activities will not be considered. However, experts have suggested that we must curb large gatherings and crowds that spread infection.
Women are role models
Karnataka has received 72 lac doses of vaccine, he said pointing out that so far about 61 lac doses of vaccine have been administered in the state out of which 53% are administered to women.
"Women have emerged as role models when it comes to participation in vaccination drive,’’ said the minister.
He said Mahatma Jyotirao Phule dedicated his entire life to the empowerment of women and the downtrodden through education and social transformation and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is the architect of our Constitution and crusader of social justice.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to celebrate Vaccine Festival during their birth anniversaries. We must not let politics, religion, caste or language into this vaccination drive. Therefore, we have administered the vaccine to women belonging to different faiths today as a symbolic gesture,’’ Dr Sudhakar said.
PM lauded Karnataka's efforts
The Prime Minister spoke to Yediyurapa and appreciated Karnataka's efforts to contain the second wave. Modi has suggested focusing on micro containment zones. "We will take measures towards it,’’ said the minister.
"I will continue to make surprise visits to hospitals and vaccination centres. Irregularities and improper facilities won't be tolerated. If people are aware and cooperate there is no need for lockdown or curb on economic activities,’’ he added.