In a somber announcement on Wednesday, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao conveyed the unfortunate news of Bengaluru’s first coronavirus-related fatality, occurring on December 15. The Minister shared with reporters that, despite this disheartening development, no definitive decision had been made regarding the imposition of restrictions on New Year celebrations in the capital.
Addressing the media, Union Minister Rao disclosed that the deceased, a 64-year-old male resident of Chamarajpet, breathed his last at Mallige Hospital in Bengaluru. While details regarding the individual’s exposure to the JN.1 Covid variant remained undisclosed, it was revealed that the patient had been grappling with several pre-existing health conditions, termed comorbidities.
Minister Rao elaborated, “The patient, diagnosed with COVID-19, battled heart issues, TB, high blood pressure, lung disease, and various complications, ultimately succumbing to the infection on December 15,” as reported by IANS.
As of now, Minister Rao emphasized that no decision had been taken to impose restrictions on New Year celebrations in Bengaluru. He assured, “Guidelines will be issued following a vigilant assessment of the evolving situation in the days ahead. The central government has not issued any directives on this matter. Patience is advised.”
Highlighting the characteristics of the new Covid variant, Minister Rao noted its heightened transmissibility akin to the Omicron variant but reassured that it was not deemed lethal. He further disclosed plans to increase testing across the country and issue advisories to track Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases.
“The virus has spread to 36 countries, according to the central government. They have been instructed to closely monitor oxygen supply and isolation protocols,” Minister Rao conveyed. Expressing concerns over the substantial costs associated with ventilator management, he indicated ongoing efforts to secure support from the central government, with a scheduled meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday.
To allay fears, Minister Rao clarified, “The Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been directed to implement isolation measures, and there is no cause for alarm.”
