Karnataka On Alert As COVID-19 Cases Cross 300 Mark; Schools Resume With Precautions

Karnataka schools are implementing precautions in the wake of COVID-19 and the government has advised symptomatic children to stay home.

The state government also issued an advisory urging parents not to send children to school if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold.

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Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department has sounded an alert after the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 311. The rise in COVID-19 cases comes amid the schools reopening after the summer break. Following this, authorities closely monitor the situation, especially with the resurgence of related respiratory infections.

In the latest 24-hour reporting period, 87 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed from a pool of 504 tests, resulting in a test positivity rate of 17.2%, as per a report on IANS. Despite the uptick in cases, no fatalities have been reported, and the case fatality rate remains at zero. A total of 29 patients recovered and were discharged during the same timeframe.

The department noted that out of the 311 active cases, 297 individuals are in home isolation, while 14 have been hospitalised. Among those admitted, three are in intensive care units across government and private facilities.

Health officials have expressed growing concern over the rising cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and influenza. Last week alone, 154 SARI cases were recorded statewide. The government has begun testing SARI and influenza patients for COVID-19 to rule out possible overlaps.

Precautionary Measures In Schools

With schools reopening on Monday, many institutions in Bengaluru and across the state-enforced health protocols. Students and staff were seen wearing masks and practicing physical distancing, reported Deccan Herald. 

The state government also issued an advisory urging parents not to send children to school if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold.

Expanding Home Health Services

In parallel, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the expansion of Gruha Arogya Yojana (Home Health Scheme). The initiative will now include screening for 14 non-communicable diseases aiming to tackle health threats proactively. The minister stressed the need for preventive care, noting that while the private sector focuses on treatment, the responsibility of prevention must be shouldered by the government.