Omicron spread: K'taka goes for stringent surveillance

As India struggles with a surge of Coronavirus cases, especially the Omicron variant, Karnataka has intensified its own vigil at the state's borders with Maharashtra, which is lagging in the tally, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said Sunday. He added that only those who have performed RT-PCR tests and have been double vaccinated will be allowed to enter the state.

"There has been a spike in Corona, Omicron cases in the last one week. This is especially high in Maharashtra with Mumbai in the lead. We have issued instructions for a strict vigil in border districts as the region has high business interactions with Mumbai," At the Belgavi airport, he told media persons.

Bommai said that besides Belagavi check-post, numerous other check-posts around have been told to tighten their measures." Border areas of neighboring Vijayapura district too have been asked to tighten checking. 11 check posts have come up in Vijayapura. Though the tight measures would cause a bit of inconvenience, it is inevitable in the interest of public health in Belagavi district," he added.

According to him, instructions have been issued to ensure the vaccination drive for children aged 15 to 18 years is implemented systematically on January 3.

Bommai commented that we should be prepared to prevent the spread of corona and also face any challenging exigencies. As opposed to the last time, he said Oxygen providers were contacted to ensure a timely supply. "District and taluk hospitals have been instructed to get their oxygen plants ready to function. Action has been taken to keep 4,000 oxygen beds ready. Indents are being prepared to procure an adequate stock of medicines", Bommai said.

Asked if an extension of the night curfew was possible, Bommai said that a decision would be taken after reviewing the current situation and spreading of the pandemic in Bengaluru. In response to a question about whether officials would impose a lockdown if people didn't follow the guidelines, he said that the state government is very clear on this. He added that "Strict measures have been taken in public interest. People should avoid creating a situation that could compel the government to impose a lockdown by following the guidelines."