After Kerala reports new Covid subvariant, Karnataka to make mask mandatory for a few
After a case of JN.1 subvariant was found in Kerala, the Karnataka Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday.
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Visitors wear masks at the Ernakulam Government Hospital after rise in number of COVID cases, in Kochi. (PTI)After a case of a new variant of Covid-19 was reported in neighbouring Kerala, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday masks will be made mandatory for those above 60 years of age, as well as people with heart ailments and breathing issues.
The Karnataka Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee will also meet on Tuesday to discuss the impact of the new JN.1 subvariant following the detection of a case in Kerala.
Rao said new guidelines related to Covid-19 will be issued by the department and the public need not fear.
“Though the wearing of masks in public places has not been made mandatory if the positive rate increases, it will be inevitable to impose it in public places but as we speak, we are not facing such a situation,” said Rao.
“I have already held a round of meetings with health department officials. The technical advisory committee has recommended masks for senior citizens and people with heart ailments and breathing issues,” he said.
The Karnataka health minister said the health department has been asked to increase testing and be prepared with hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, PPE kits, and other needed materials.
“We have taken measures at the Karnataka-Kerala border. Anyone with fever, cold and cough should undergo Covid-19 tests,” Rao said.
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