Fourth wave of Corona to hit Karnataka by August, hints health minister

NT Correspondent

Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar has hinted that the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic will hit the State by August this year. However, people need not worry if they have taken two doses of the vaccine as it would provide protection against the virus.

Replying to Sashil Namoshi (BJP) during zero hour in the State Legislative Council on Monday, Dr Sudhakar said the new variety of Corona was first spotted in Philippines and now it has been seen in over 40 countries. The institute which had predicted the first three waves, has given a similar prediction for the fourth wave too. Since the vaccination drive is impressive in the state, people need not worry. Parents would be convinced to vaccinate their children in the age group of 12 to 15 years as it would help to check the Corona virus.

Dr Sudhakar also said the government is contemplating making the wearing of the mask indoors mandatory and a decision to this effect would be taken in a meeting to be presided over by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Despite taking two doses of the vaccine, people have to follow Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) strictly. Priority is being given to ramp up basic medical facilities and accordingly, 55,256 oxygenated beds have been added. The oxygen generating capacity has been increased from 300 metric tonnes to 1,270 metric tonnes. The state is optimisitc about generating oxygen as per demand, the minister said.

He also said 265 laboratories have been established in the state and the testing capacity has bene increased to 2.5 lakh per day. Thanks to the experience of handling the first three waves successfully, doctors have learnt how to treat Covid-19 patients. Though, the fourth wave will come, people need not panic, he added.