Karnataka Ramps Up COVID Testing to 5,000 Daily Amid Rising Cases
Bengaluru, December 21, 2023: In response to a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, the Karnataka government has announced a significant increase in testing capacity, aiming to conduct 5,000 COVID tests daily starting this Saturday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement following a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting convened to address the escalating situation. He instructed the health department to prioritize both rapid antigen tests (1,500 daily) and RT-PCR tests (3,000 daily) to comprehensively track the virus spread.
Emphasizing the need to learn from past experiences, the Chief Minister urged officials to ensure adequate preparedness for a potential wave. He stressed the importance of readily available medical resources, including:
- Hospital beds: Adequate capacity for patient care must be readily available.
- Oxygen and medical supplies: Sufficient reserves of oxygen, medicines, and essential equipment, including ventilators, should be secured to avoid shortages.
- Vaccination: Reinforcing immunization efforts remains crucial. Individuals who haven’t yet received their full vaccination schedule are encouraged to do so promptly.
- Precaution for vulnerable groups: Individuals with comorbidities and those above 60 years of age are advised to wear masks and avoid crowded spaces.
Currently, Karnataka has reported 92 confirmed COVID cases, with 80 concentrated in Bengaluru and the remaining scattered across districts like Mysuru, Ballari, Ramanagar, and Mandya. While most patients are under home isolation, 20 require hospitalization, with seven receiving ICU care due to underlying health conditions.
To effectively manage the situation, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a dedicated cabinet subcommittee. This subcommittee will work closely with the TAC to implement appropriate measures and monitor the evolving situation.
