Health Minister urges citizens to be extra careful from Dec 20 to Jan 2, says ‘next 45 days are crucial in fight against virus’
Once again, Sudhakar brings up his ‘New Year not an Indian festival’ grouse
BENGALURU:
Making a gloomy ‘forecast’ about a second Covid-19 wave ‘during the initial months of 2021, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar has urged the people of Karnataka to be “extra cautious from December 20 to January 2” as “these 15 days are going to be very crucial.”
Speaking to the media after a meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee at Vidhana Soudha on Friday, Sudhakar noted that the winter months of December, January and February are conducive to the spread of the virus, and the next 45 days would be crucial in containing it. Other countries are experiencing a second wave 45-90 days after the first, and the TAC report also indicates the possibility of a second wave in Karnataka, he said.
ವಿಧಾನಸೌಧದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂದು ಕೋವಿಡ್-19 ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ಸಲಹಾ ಸಮಿತಿಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಭೆ ನಡೆಸಿ, ಎರಡನೇ ಅಲೆಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ತಜ್ಞರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಮಾಲೋಚನೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಅಪರ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಜಾವೇದ್ ಅಖ್ತರ್, ಆಯುಕ್ತ ಪಂಕಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಪಾಂಡೆ, ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ಸಲಹಾ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಡಾ.ಎಂ.ಕೆ.ಸುದರ್ಶನ್ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.@CMofKarnataka @DHFWKA pic.twitter.com/SZAKJSweia
— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) December 4, 2020
Reiterating the do’s and don’ts, the Minister said public gatherings during the 15 days (from December 20) must be organized with utmost care, marriage functions should not exceed 100 attendees, religious occasions and political events should not exceed 200 attendees, and guidelines like masks and social distancing should be meticulously followed.
‘NY fete not apt’
Alongside, Sudhakar brought up his earlier argument that “New Year celebrations are meaningless”, and that “New Year is not a festival for Indians”. He said “there is no meaning in celebrations when there is loss of lives and livelihoods in society. It is meaningless to celebrate the new year at this juncture.”
‘1 lakh daily tests target’
Among other points, the Minister said private hospitals would be instructed to increase the number of Covid beds if the need arises. Covid testing will continue till February-end, and the aim is to conduct 1 lakh RT-PCR tests daily.
He said a decision would be taken in the third week of December on whether to reopen schools and colleges.
Also Read: Axe hangs over X’mas, New Year celebrations in Bengaluru https://thebengalurulive.com/axe-hangs-over-xmas-new-year-celebrations-in-bengaluru/
Also Read: Second Covid wave: Health Minister, officials to consult experts on Friday https://thebengalurulive.com/second-covid-wave-health-minister-officials-to-consult-experts-on-friday/
Also Read: You’ve been warned: Covid 2.0 to hit state in Jan & Feb https://thebengalurulive.com/youve-been-warned-covid-2-0-to-hit-state-in-jan-feb/
Also Read: No night curfew in Karnataka: Yediyurappa https://thebengalurulive.com/no-night-curfew-in-karnataka-yediyurappa/
