As India experiences another spike in COVID-19 cases, there have been fresh concerns surrounding public health preparedness and variant surveillance. The country is again reporting over 1,000 active cases with Kerala having the largest number. As a result, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked health officials to be on yellow alert and increase preparedness against a threat from new variants.
A Resurgence in Cases: Kerala at the Forefront
Although the COVID-19 numbers are much lower than the pandemic peaks we saw in 2020 and 2021, they are starting to rise again in some states. Kerala, with its excellent health surveillance and reporting system, is back in the spotlight with the highest number of active cases. There have been more than 300 of the over 1,000 active cases in India, according to figures released by the Union Health Ministry.
While the health infrastructure in Kerala is resilient, it is feeling the pressure from the steady rise in active cases during the past few weeks. Health authorities in Kerala have acknowledged that most of the latest infections were mild or asymptomatic and hospitalization rates are not high. However, they have also said that complacency could be dangerous, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, namely the elderly, and those with co-morbidities.
COVID epidemiologists are also closely monitoring the genetic sequencing of the latest cases to catch any emergence of any new sub-variants, and health authorities are re-instituting localized containment measures, regular testing and vaccination programs in districts where high test positivity rates are occurring.
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Karnataka on High Alert: CM Orders Precautionary Measures
In the neighboring Karnataka started by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in view of the increased national tally, and the situation in Kerala. The CM requested the health department to be on high alert at district level hospitals considering the inter-state travelling of people due to the porous border shared between the two states. The CM has requested the health department to stock on essential medicines increase Intensive care unit (ICU) capacity, and activate COVID-19 task forces at the district level if need be.
Throughout these preparations, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of surveillance and immediate testing, particularly in border districts like Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and Chamarajanagar. Schools, colleges, and public areas have been advised to adhere to basic COVID-19 safe practices, including masking when in crowds or encouraging hygiene safety awareness to the public.
The CM also held a review meeting with high-ranking health officials and public health experts to review the state’s preparedness of a possible surge. While there are currently no plans to impose lockdowns and restrictions, the state is prepared to escalate responses as future trends indicate. The CM was clear in his messaging to the public, urging citizens not to panic but remain vigilant in light of impending celebrations and travel seasons. click here for source
