Karnataka to set up Covid care centres for children across state ahead of possible third wave

The minister was speaking to reporters after a meeting convened with elected representatives, officials of the Bengaluru district administration and officers of various departments to discuss strategy and measures adopted to mitigate the adverse effects of a possible third wave.

The minister added that the government was already taking steps to ensure paediatricians, who can work in these Covid care centres, are being identified and medicines, masks and ventilators for children are being procured.

Responding to queries on facilities that are already in place, Jolle added, “As many as 1,419 beds, including 141 ventilator beds and 430 HDU beds, have been earmarked for children within BBMP limits in Bengaluru.”

She also noted that suggestions made by experts to start a Covid care centre for children in Bengaluru city would be taken up with the CM for further discussion.

“Over 2.38 lakh children have been infected so far. These include 67,687 children in the age group of 0-9, and 1,70,565 children in the 9-18 age group. A total of 51 children succumbed to the infection in Bengaluru alone,” she said.

Further, the WCD minister added that 30 children had participated in the vaccine trials conducted in the state so far. “Vaccination drives for children may begin only based on the outcome of these trials happening here and in other parts of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will take a suitable call on when we can begin inoculating children,” she said.