Bengaluru: In view of newer sub-variants of COVID-19 being reported in neighbouring Maharashtra, the Karnataka government has issued an advisory urging people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour. The health department has advised people with symptoms such as cough, cold and fever to get tested at nearest hospitals and isolate themselves till the results are out.
Issuing a statement, the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare said, “In view of reporting newer sub-variants of Omicron BQ.1 (US variant) BA.2.3.20 apart from XBB, which is a recombinant of BA.2.75 and BJ.1 in Maharashtra and in the context of the ensuing festival season of Deepavali and Kannada Rajyothsava the following advisory is issued to General public.”
KARNATAKA RESIDENTS MUST FOLLOW THIS ADVISORY
- Those with fever, cough, cold, sore throat, and breathing difficulty should compulsorily get tested immediately at the nearest hospital or health centres (preferably Rapid Antigen Test, if negative then RT-PCR, and get self-isolated till the results are received.
- Those with breathing difficulties should seek urgent medical care, preferably in a hospital.
- Face masking while indoors, in places with air-conditioning, not well-ventilated areas, closed places, in crowds and in health facilities (N-95 / medical masks).
- It is very important that the elderly and Co-morbid wear face masks in public areas.
- People must observe festivities outdoors and avoid crowding indoors as far as possible.
- Those who are due for booster or precautionary dose of vaccination would need to get vaccinated.
- It is important that those who are aged 60 years and above, and with co-morbidities (particularly not naturally infected previously) should get vaccinated early.
- Those who are immune-deficient and immunosuppressed, on renal dialysis, taking anticancer drugs, etc. are advised to get vaccinated on priority basis in consultation with their treating doctor.
- COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) like coughing and sneezing into folded elbows, use of tissues, and handkerchief, not blowing nose and spitting in public areas, hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic persons should be followed.
- People must use environment friendly “green crackers” in the larger interest of public health and safety.
- Concerned authorities in the districts and municipal areas must ensure the compliance of the rules.
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