The challenge is limited to some districts while the pandemic is under control in other places.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai indicated that the government would announce a new set of COVID-19 guidelines after discussing all issues related to the pandemic during the state cabinet meeting on December 9.
In view of the emergence of clusters, Mr Bommai said, “All details related to COVID-19 will be presented before the cabinet on December 9. Everything that’s happening in relation to the developments in the Omron version and the COVID-19 clusters. Will be placed before the cabinet.”
After the discussion, the Chief Minister said that a decision would be taken on issuing new guidelines.
Responding to a query on a new set of guidelines, Mr Bommai said that he has to keep in mind the current situation as Covid-19 cases are seen only in some districts while the pandemic is under control in other places.
“If we have to introduce new guidelines, they should apply for the whole of Karnataka. The Center has also issued guidelines. Controlling Covid-19 cases in December and January and the need for new guidelines will be discussed in detail in the cabinet meeting,” the chief minister said.
He appealed to the people, especially the parents, not to panic though cases are coming to the fore in schools and hostels.
“No need to panic, especially parents. Children have to be careful. Schools and colleges will have to strictly implement the Covid-19 rules,” Mr Bommai said.
Chief Secretary P. Ravi Kumar, senior officers of Finance and Health and Family Welfare Department attended the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on December 8.
Last week, the government announced some guidelines. This includes making two doses of vaccination mandatory for parents of children below 18 years of age attending schools and colleges.
The government had made two doses of COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for entry into malls, cinema halls, theatres. It had already made two doses of vaccination mandatory for employees working in hotels, restaurants, cinemas, swimming pools, public libraries, zoos and botanical gardens.
With the emergence of certain clusters in colleges in Karnataka, all institutions of higher education have been directed not to organize cultural functions, college festivals and other functions till January 15, 2022. The maximum gathering has been limited to 500 for conferences and meetings, and COVID-19 practices are expected to be strictly enforced.
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