As Covid-19 cases surge in Kerala, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao dismisses the need for movement restrictions on the border, assuring the public that the government has implemented robust precautionary measures.Vigilance Over Panic: Minister Addresses ConcernsResponding to the escalating Covid cases in Kerala, Minister Rao urges caution, stating, Right now, I do not think we should panic, but we will keep an extra vigil. He rules out panic-driven actions, asserting, There is no need to restrict movement on the border at present.Preparedness and Reassurance: ICU Beds and Essential Drugs in PlaceEnsuring readiness for any eventualities, Minister Rao states, We have done a mock drill. We have asked them to keep everything ready to prevent any shortages. He reassures the public about the availability of ICU beds and essential drugs.Presently, Karnataka reports 58 active cases, with 11 hospitalised and one Covid-related death, coupled with other comorbidities. Minister Rao adds, There is nothing to worry about. As per our records, we have about 58 active cases.Proactive Measures: Increasing Testing and Need for RT-PCR KitsHighlighting precautionary steps, the Minister emphasises increased testing for individuals presenting symptoms akin to Covid-19. Acknowledging the need for more RT-PCR kits, he mentions, We have some in stock, but we will be requiring more.Advisory Committee and Future DirectionsEngaging with the technical advisory committee, Minister Rao states, The technical advisory will be meeting today, mostly online. Plans are underway to issue directions based on the committees recommendations, with the Minister affirming, We will issue the directions today or tomorrow as soon as the committee gives recommendations.National Preparedness and Ongoing SurveillanceThe Union Ministry of Health has initiated preparedness measures after the identification of the JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 in Kerala. A mock drill is evaluating public health and hospital readiness across states, overseen by district collectors, scheduled for completion by December 18, 2023.INSACOG Monitoring and Symptom DetailsINSACOG, a network of Genomic Laboratories, actively monitors the genomic aspects of Covid-19 in India. The reported symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. JN.1, first detected in the United States in September 2023, has surfaced in a Kerala case.In conclusion, while emphasising the majority of cases as clinically mild, health authorities stress the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness in managing the evolving situation related to Covid-19 variants.
