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Karnataka Makes Masks Mandatory For People Above 60 Amid Rise In COVID JN.1 Cases In Kerala 

Following the detection of India's first COVID sub-variant JN.1 case in Kerala, the Karnataka government has asked citizens above 60 to mask up.

by Sanjana Shenoy
Karnataka Makes Masks Mandatory For People Above 60 Amid Rise In COVID JN.1 Cases In Kerala 

With just few days left to bid adieu to 2023, there’s bad news looming in the air. On Saturday, Kerala reported its first case of COVID sub-variant JN.1 in a patient. The first case of JN.1 coronavirus subvariant in the country, Kerala and other neighbouring states are on high alert mode. Karnataka government has announced that all people above the age of 60 should mask up amid the rise in COVID JN.1 cases in Kerala. Here’s more to it.

Karnataka Asks Citizens Above The Age Of 60 To Mask Up

karnataka masks
Picture Credits: Canva
According to a report by Moneycontrol, the Karnataka government has asked everyone over the age group of 60 years to mandatorily wear masks. This advisory is especially targeted to people above 60 who are suffering from symptoms of fever, cough, cold and phlegm. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao revealed to reporters that the government is conducting increased health tests among those who are suffering from such symptoms. Also, they have implemented heightened surveillance in border districts.

Rao further revealed to Moneycontrol, that this grave situation is being intently monitored by the authorities. As of now, he assures people that there is no need to worry. There are no restrictions on the movement and gathering of people in Karnataka as of now. If and when such things will be implemented, the Karnataka government will come up with an advisory. Dinesh Gundu Rao also stated that the government held a meeting day-before-yesterday. Dr (K) Ravi headed this technical advisory committee meeting. A discussion between the experts and officials was also held to assess the issue.

Also Read: Singapore Issues Health Advisory For Travellers As COVID-19 Cases Surge, Masks Made Compulsory At Airport

Mock Drills & Facility Checks At Hospitals For COVID-19 Preparedness

karnataka masks
Picture Credits: Canva
The Health Minister further state that people above 60-years of age in Karnataka suffering from comorbidities like health issues related to kidney, heart and those having cough, fever and cold must mandatorily wear face masks. The Karnataka government also has surveillance in border districts that share borders with Kerala. These border districts are Chamarajanagara, Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada. Also, the Karnataka government has asked its hospitals and health centres to stay prepared. Currently, the government has released this advisory to the public about face masks.

Rao said that within a couple of days, they’d get a better understanding of the situation. Whether infections were increasing or not. Also, once they conduct more COVID cases and detect more positive cases they’d decide on the next steps to be taken. But at the moment there won’t be any curbs or restrictions in the state. As of now, there are also no restrictions on Ayyappa pilgrims returning from Kerala. Furthermore, the Karnataka government will monitor the COVID-19 situation daily. If they get any adverse information, they will see what needs to be done.

Also Read: Covid Subvariant JN.1: With Rising Cases In Kerala, Here Are The Symptoms & What We Know So Far

In order to check the preparedness of hospitals to deal with COVID-19 cases, mock drills have been conducted by district health officials. The government has already made checks on the number of beds, oxygen supply masks, PPE kits, ventilators, ventilators and other things needed in case of an emergency. Rao added that instructions have been given to all health centres, district and taluk hospitals for the same.

So, in order to stay safe, folks in Karnataka above the age of 60, don’t forget to mask up from today.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva

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