K'taka to make masks must for elders

NT Correspondent

Madikeri: The Karnataka government on Monday asked those above 60-years of age, with comorbidities, and symptoms of cough, phlegm and fever to mandatorily wear face masks, in the wake of detection of a case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in neighbouring Kerala.

Increased tests among those with such symptoms and suspected cases, and heightened surveillance in border districts are among the measures that the officials have been instructed to take up, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told reporters here.

The situation is being continuously monitored, and there is no need for any restriction on movement and gathering of people as of now, he said, adding, the government would come out with an advisory.

"There is no need to worry. Those above 60-years of age and those with comorbidities like issues related to heart, kidney among others, and those with cough, phlegm and fever should mandatorily wear masks. We are communicating this to the public. Also we have asked our hospitals to be prepared. There should be more surveillance in -- Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagara -- which share borders with Kerala," he added.