From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Nov 30: All international passengers arriving in Karnataka will have to undergo mandatory RTPCR testing, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar announced in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Dr Sudhakar, who chaired a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee, said around 2,500 international passengers arrive to Karnataka every day and it is now mandatory for everyone to undergo RTPCR testing.
Speaking to reporters after the technical advisory committee meeting, the minister mandatory RTPCR test is being carried out for travelers from countries where the new virus is found.
“Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has instructed us to test travelers from any country,’’ he said.
About 2,500 passengers come to the state every day from various countries. Those who are negative, will have to be home quarantined for seven days while those who are symptomatic and negative, will have to undergo testing at home on the 5th day.
Asymptomatic persons will be tested on the 7th day. If found positive, they will be immediately hospitalized and will be treated separately, the Minister said.
Covid's new variant, Omicron virus has been found in 12 countries across the world, he said and made it clear that care and vigilance was necessary.
To prevent this variant from spreading in the State, all necessary precautionary measures are being taken in the State, he said.
“Considering our population and health infrastructure, we need to be more careful than other countries,’’ Dr Sudhakar said.
Preparations for the health care services including availability of beds, oxygen beds, deployment of doctors and personnel, supply of medicine were also discussed at the meeting, he explained.
Dr Sudhakar said those who have not been vaccinated should voluntarily come forward and get vaccinated and stay safe.
Suggestions regarding vaccine drive and measures to increase the numbers were discussed, he said pointing out that 41 lakh people are slated to get second dose of Covid vaccine. Priority will be given to reach out to these people, Dr Sudhakar said.
Central government is getting samples from all states. Every international passenger's contacts are being tracked and tested, the Minister said.
Guidelines for Treatment
At the meeting, the minister said ways to effectively deal with the Omicron virus, how to control it, and what preparations are to be taken in hospitals and medical colleges were discussed.
Using technology such as Quarantine App, Tele Medicine are also being considered. In addition, a panel of 10 experts has been set up to formulate separate guidelines for treatment, the minister said.
Other points
• People must come forward and get vaccinated without delay;
• Chief Minister will write a letter to Prime Minister urging him to impose restrictions on travelers from specific countries;
• Attempts are on to prevent viral transmission at an early stage;
• There have been suggestions that those who do not receive second dose should not have access to the malls, theaters and government should take decision towards non-payment for treatment in a private hospital and others. We are yet to take any decisions on these; and
• The issue of the corpse of patient at the ESI hospital is negligence, which should not have happened and it is regrettable. Will take appropriate action in this regard.