Karnataka Health Minister Mandates ‘Masks’ For Senior Citizen Amid Rising COVID Cases

KARNATAKA: Minister for Health and Family Welfare in Karnataka, Dinesh Gundu Rao, addressed the public on Monday in response to the surge in Covid-19 cases in Kerala and other states.

Emphasizing the need for caution, especially among vulnerable groups, Rao advised senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions to wear masks.

Addressing reporters in Kodagu, Karnataka, the health minister assured the public that there was no cause for panic.

He disclosed that a meeting had been held to deliberate on necessary measures, and an advisory would be issued soon.

Rao specifically highlighted the importance of individuals aged 60 and above, those with heart problems, and those with comorbidities to wear masks as a precautionary measure.

In addition, Rao outlined proactive steps, stating, “Government hospitals are on alert, with a particular focus on regions bordering Kerala, including Mangalore, Chamanajnagar, and Kodagu. Testing efforts will be intensified, especially for individuals with respiratory issues, who will be required to undergo mandatory tests.”

Providing a broader context, the Health Ministry reported that India’s active Covid-19 caseload had risen to 1,828 on Monday, with one recorded death in Kerala, where the Covid sub-variant JN.1 was recently identified.

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The national recovery rate stood at an impressive 98.81%, with over 4.46 crore individuals having successfully recovered from the infection. The total number of Covid-19-related deaths in India reached 5,33,317, translating to a case fatality rate of 1.19%.

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