Noted cardiologist Dr CN Manjunath makes dire prediction, urges citizens to adopt Covid-appropriate behaviour
BENGALURU:
Eminent cardiologist and Karnataka Covid task force committee member Dr CN Manjunath has expressed the fear that, with the surge in Covid-19 infections in Bengaluru, the day is not far off when the state capital will become another ‘Mumbai’ or even ‘Maharashtra’. The unmistakeable allusion was to the city and state that have been worst-hit by the second wave of the pandemic.
Dr Manjunath’s dire prediction came while he was participating in a television debate on Friday morning, following Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa’s Thursday night announcement of a night curfew in 7 cities, including Bengaluru, from April 10 to April 20.
Mumbai and Maharashtra have seen a huge surge in Covid-19 positive cases in the last couple of months. Moreover, Maharashtra has witnessed the highest-ever spike of 57,000 positive cases in a day.
‘Virus spreading very fast’
Fearing a similar situation in Bengaluru, Dr Manjunath said the night curfew in Bengaluru and other cities might be the first step to curb the spread of the virus, but it was still the responsibility of people to observe Covid-appropriate behaviour. “People are aware of the pandemic and they know how they should behave. If they do not follow the norms, the day is not far off for Bengaluru to become another Mumbai, which is running out of medical facilities,” he added.
Dr Manjunath said, “So far, Karnataka has adequate medical facilities. But the need of the hour is that people should change their behaviour. It is good that the death rate is very low in the Covid-19 second wave, but the number of infections and positive cases is on the rise and it (the virus) is spreading very fast. The best way to tackle the virus is to keep yourself away from public gatherings and crowded areas.”
‘Why huge poll rallies?’
He felt the Central Election Commission should relook the issue of pre-election rallies and whether it is really necessary to have huge crowds at such rallies. “The number of people attending political rallies is not coming under control despite restrictions being imposed. It is high time that the Election Commission relooks its stand on the conduct of elections,” Dr Manjunath said.
On Thursday, Bengaluru reported 4,422 positive cases and 22 deaths, taking the city’s active case load to 38,946. In the last 24 hours, Bengaluru has reported a positivity rate of 5.97 % and a fatality rate of 0.41%.
Also Read: Bengaluru could have 6,500 daily Covid cases by April 20: Expert https://thebengalurulive.com/bengaluru-could-have-6500-daily-covid-cases-by-april-20-expert/
Also Read: In U-turn, Karnataka imposes night curfew in Bengaluru, 6 other cities https://thebengalurulive.com/in-u-turn-karnataka-imposes-night-curfew-in-bengaluru-6-other-cities/
Also Read: BBMP tasked with conducting 1 lakh Covid tests daily https://thebengalurulive.com/bbmp-tasked-with-conducting-1-lakh-covid-tests-daily/
