Bengaluru: In response to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the state, the Karnataka government issued a public advisory on Saturday, urging citizens to adopt responsible health practices. The advisory emphasizes the importance of wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining physical distance, and adhering to good hygiene protocols.
The advisory, released by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services, highlights the state’s ongoing efforts to monitor and manage COVID-19. “In light of the recent increase in cases, Karnataka is committed to preventing transmission, detecting new cases, and providing necessary care. We encourage all citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and actively participate in public health initiatives,” the advisory stated.
Continued cooperation from the public is essential for identifying and containing any new variants or potential outbreaks. “Your health is our top priority,” it added.
The advisory includes several key recommendations for the public:
1. Stay Alert, Not Anxious: Keep informed through official sources and avoid spreading unverified information.
2. Communicate with Health Authorities: Notify health officials about travelers returning from abroad to ensure appropriate follow-up.
3. Practice Responsible Behavior: Wear masks in crowded places, maintain physical distance, and uphold good hygiene practices.
4. Report Symptoms Promptly: Seek medical advice immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
Additionally, the health department encourages the public to support testing and surveillance efforts. Citizens are urged to cooperate with random testing initiatives and allow sample collection for surveillance purposes.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of reporting any unusual increases in symptoms resembling Covid-19 through the community monitoring tool available on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.
It underscores the need for vigilant surveillance in schools by encouraging parents to keep sick children at home, monitoring students for symptoms, promoting hygiene practices, and ensuring proper ventilation in classrooms. The advisory also highlights the significance of environmental awareness, urging the community to practice good hygiene, dispose of waste responsibly, and maintain cleanliness in public areas.
The government remains vigilant and encourages citizens to lead their daily lives while adhering to health advisories.
For health-related inquiries, individuals are urged to call the toll-free helpline at 1800 425 8330, and for emergency patient transport, the number is 108. “Together, we can swiftly identify and control potential illnesses, ensuring the safety of ourselves and our community,” the advisory stated.
As of Friday evening, the state has reported 234 active Covid-19 cases. Tragically, three patients with the infection, who also had pre-existing comorbidities, have succumbed to the virus since January 1.
By working together, we can help safeguard our community’s health and well-being.