Variant not found in Karnataka: Health Minister

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Bengaluru: Omicron, the latest coronavirus variant, has been declared a cause of concern, with governments all over the world bracing for another round of battle with the virus. Health and Medical Education Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar said the State Government has taken all required measures to check the spreading of a new variant of COVID-19 virus and appealed to citizens to take two doses of vaccine without delay.

He told the media on Saturday that the variant found in South Africa, Botswana, Israel and Hong Kong has not been found in Karnataka. However, Dr Sudhakar did convene a meeting with health experts and new guidelines were issued on Friday. Accordingly, all passengers from those countries must undergo the RT-PCR test on arrival, even if they carry negative certificates. A seven-day selfquarantine is also mandatory, during which a strict vigil will be maintained on their health. Another round of tests must be done after quarantine. In case they show symptoms, they will be shifted to hospital immediately.

The minister said guidelines have been issued about the steps to be taken at airports. Health department officials have been posted at airports, where they will conduct the necessary tests. It has been learned that the new variant spreads fast but people need not panic as it has not yet been found in the country. However, both doses of the vaccine are mandatory and safety guidelines must be followed as a precaution.

Dr.Sudhakar said the findings of the Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 would be conveyned to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to take necessary action. According to experts, there are 25 variants of the Covid virus and many more studies are needed to establish the efficacy of the existing vaccines. Citizens must not become complacent and should get vaccinated, he added.

Purchase of medicines, funds released

Commenting on the issue of medicines procurement, the Minister said a meeting will be scheduled to buy medicines. District Health officers were given Rs 38 crore to stock up on pharmaceuticals. However, there has been a delay in buying general medicine this year, due to Covid. The tenders have not yet taken place and funds have been released to buy medicines locally. The medicines will be available at all Taluk and District hospitals in three or four days.