Pandemic Update: Karnataka Gears Up for High-Stakes COVID Strategy Meeting
Bengaluru, December 21: Karnataka is seeing a rise in Covid cases, with a total of 92 reported cases so far, including some from neighboring Kerala. To address this, there will be a meeting of the COVID Technical Advisory Committee meeting today at 1 PM at the CM’s residence, Krishna.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, health officials, and experts will discuss strategies to control the infection spread.
In the backdrop of increasing Covid cases in neighboring states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Goa, the Health Department has recommended an escalation in testing in the border district. In today’s meeting, DCM DK Shivakumar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and TAC committee members, along with senior health officials will discuss various topics:
- Discussion on the rise in Covid cases in border districts and neighboring states.
- Increasing demand for medicines and equipment; discussion on procuring necessary supplies.
- Swift action plan for immediate purchase of medicines and equipment, including budget considerations.
- Review of ICU beds, oxygen beds, and overall infrastructure in state hospitals. Assessment of available facilities in government hospitals.
- Urgent discussion on obtaining necessary funds for immediate procurement of facilities.
- Setting uniform rates for Covid tests (RTPCR) in private hospitals; discussion on pricing regulations.
- Planning for treatment protocols for individuals testing positive for Covid, including discussion on necessary medical procedures.
- Discussion on increasing Covid testing with the upcoming BBMP initiative.
- Implementation of increased Covid testing in Bengaluru, and discussion on testing protocols.
- BBMP’s plan to conduct daily 1500 Covid tests, including 1050 RT-PCR tests and 450 Rapid Antigen tests, as suggested by the Health Department.
