Bengluru : With Kerala seeing a steep rise in Covid-19 cases since last week and JN-1, a sub-variant of SARS-COV2 detected in the coastal state, though most patients in kerala are recovering without treatment , Karnataka is on high alert as Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao announced face masks mandatory for people above 60 year and also for those with comorbidities. As part of the state’s efforts to protect those most vulnerable to the virus. In addition, individuals with symptoms of fever, cold and cough are also required to wear Masks compulsorily. Regarding likely restrictions on Sabarimala pilgrims returning from Kerala, Minister clarified that no curbs on movements or gathering are currently in place. However he said monitoring in the districts border Kerala, Including Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, and Dakshina Kannada will continue.
Minister said In the past 3 months, the state has had 58 active Covid-19 cases, with 11 individuals hospitalised and one Covid related death. Mocck drills currently underway at government hospitals to assess preparedness of medical infrastructure to hand potential emergencies.
Opinion from Virologists says, one reason why Covid-19 is mild is because of immunity from past infections and vaccinations. During pandemic, the risk of Covid-19 hospitalisation or death was far greater than the risk of sAEFI (serious adverse events following immunisation). Now, in endemic Covid, the risk from disease is very much lower than before and the risk of sAEFI remains the same. Safe vaccines must be promoted until data on other vaccines are made available Booster doses of safe vaccines is good idea, they added.
