Negative RT-PCR certificate mandatory for passengers arriving to Bengaluru from any state

Bengaluru: Passengers arriving from any state to Bengaluru must be in possession of RT-PCR negative report, said Health & Medical Education Minister Dr.K.Sudhakar.

He was speaking to the media here on Thursday after a meeting to review Covid-19 containment measures in Bengaluru city.

1,400 cases have been reported in Bengaluru, which is highest in last 4 months. There are spike in cases everyday. It is increasingly found in passengers arriving to the city from other states. As of now, restriction is for Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Chandigarh. But now going forward it is applicable to all states he said.

A restriction of 200 people for functions in closed premises and 500 people for functions in open space premises has been imposed. Every ward is been provided with one ambulance. It can also be increased depending on the number of cases. Protocols will be implemented for care and treatment of infected persons, said the Minister.

Certain places which have high footfall and dense public places will be sanitized to control the spread. Information regarding the availability of beds and ICUs will be made available online. People’s cooperation is crucial to make Namma Bengaluru Covid-free, said Dr. Sudhakar.

It has been decided to put hand-stamp infected persons residing in BBMP limits. Even young and asymptomatic persons can spread the infection if they go out. To control such movements it is decided to stamp on hand, he added.

Government has decided to give vaccination for the persons aged above 45 years. Mutant virus has been reported in India. Mutant version is found in 700 cases so far. As per experts, it spreads faster than the original one. Therefore, it is requested to be careful for next 2 months. We are tracing out 20 contacts for each infected person said the Minister.

Elections are not insulated from spreading infection. It is important to restrict gatherings. I will speak to Election Commission officials in this regard. We have also requested Cinema stars to join hands with government in this fight against Covid said Dr. Sudhakar.

After visiting Victoria Hospital he said that 400 beds have been reserved for Covid patients here. We will increase the number of beds if required. RGICD, Bowring hospital and Charaka hospital will also be utilized for Covid treatment if required, he said. We have also spoken to private hospitals to be on stand by, though the cases are not as huge as it was in the beginning, they have to be ready, said the Minister. (UNI)