Karnataka govt issues Covid advisory to district hospitals to increase testing and stay vigilant

All those with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, cold, and running nose shall seek medical consultation early, it said, adding, they should wear face masks (covering nose and mouth) and avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces, and crowded areas.

Representative image of a covid-19 sample

Credit: iStock Photo

Bengaluru: Following the rise in Covid cases in the neighbouring state of Kerala, owing to the emergence of the JN.1 Covid subvariant, the Karnataka government has directed the district health officials to ensure all the severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases and at least one in 20 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases are tested for Covid.

The authorities have also been directed to ensure samples with CT value less than 25 are sent for genomic sequencing to identify any new virus strains.

Genomic sequencing is mandatory for symptomatic patients with international travel history, patients who are hospitalised for long periods, Covid reinfection cases, and samples from areas with outbreaks or severe mortality.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the government also asked people to stay cautious and seek medical consultation if they have a cold, cough, or other Covid-like symptoms. While the government has not put in any restrictions on traveling, it has advised the citizens to stay vigilant while traveling and avoid crowded areas when possible.

While senior citizens have been asked to mask up, the same has been advised to pregnant women, lactating mothers, those with comorbidities, and Covid-like symptoms. The advisory has also urged people with cold and cough to minimise contact with others, especially the vulnerable group.