Pandemic nearing its end, says health minister

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Corona pandemic is nearing its end but everyone must make it a point to follow the safety protocol strictly, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar.

He told the media here on Wednesday that the virus that has claimed the lives of lakhs of people across the world is on the verge of its exit from the world. These are the last days of the virus which is happening in a phased manner. Experts have said that the second wave would be severe, and the third and fourth waves would be mild. This, according to them, is an indication that the end of the pandemic was nearing, he added.

The minister wanted people to strictly follow Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) such as the wearing of masks and maintaining of social distancing. In fact, the National Covid Task Force Committee has appreciated the steps being taken by the government to check the spread of the virus in the state. They have asked other states to emulate Karnataka with regard to Covid management. The experts have said that since Omicron is a new variant, it would be mild and not severe. However, citizens must be wary of the new strain, he warned.

According to the health minister, the new variant has not been seen in any other district other than Bengaluru. But Covid positive cases are springing up here and there. The Cabinet meeting on Thursday would decide on issuing separate guidelines for schools/ colleges, and also for the coming Christmas and New Year celebrations. The government is expected to come out with tough rules in a day or two, he added.