Covid: Karnataka makes masks mandatory in closed space

Belagavi, Dec 22 : Karnataka government on Thursday decided to make face masks mandatory in closed spaces and airconditioned rooms.Considering the state going for the election next year, the government also decided to conduct mandatory testing of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).
“The government is going to issue advisory to wear masks in indoor locations, closed spaces and air-conditioned rooms. Also, there will be mandatory testing of ILI and SARI cases across Karnataka,” Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar told reporters.
He addressed media after after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Covid. The meeting reviewed government’s preparedness and steps to be taken to curb the spread of Covid in the state.The meeting was convened in the wake of a spurt in Covid cases in some parts of the world, including China.
The government also decided to give a legup to booster dose coverage from the exiting 20 to 60 percent by setting up special camps across the state within a month, Dr Sudhakar said.
The government decided to pay visits to all government and private hospitals to test the condition of oxygen generators, supply networks and the functioning of oxygen cylinders, he said.“All samples from positive patients are to be sent to the labs for genomic sequencing,” he added.
Statewide vaccination camps also will be organised to ensure 100 percent coverage of precaution dose, Dr Sudhakar said.
“I appeal to all people to dispel misinformation and apprehension about vaccines and ensure that everyone is vaccinated with three doses. I assure that our govt will do whatever it takes to mitigate the pandemic. Let us together defeat the virus,” he tweeted.