In the wake of some states reporting new sub-types of omicrons, Karnataka’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has recommended increased testing here as well. Some states are reporting subtypes such as Bq.1 and Ba.2.3.20 in addition to XBB, which is a recombinant of Ba.2.75 and Bj.1.
The current daily testing numbers in Bengaluru, which has always been the epicenter of COVID-19 in the state, have fallen to around 2,500. This has to be increased to at least 10,000, the TAC has recommended.
Following a review meeting of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Delhi on October 18 to review the COVID situation in the country, the TAC has advised that the daily number of tests – which has now come down significantly in the state – should be increased 15,000 should be done. , Of these, 10,000 should be conducted in Bengaluru and the rest in Karnataka, the TAC has said.
zero cases
While the state is reporting around 200 new cases daily (excluding holidays and Sundays when the number of tests conducted is less than 3,000 and new cases are less than 100), at least 12 districts have been reporting zero cases since the first week of September. are doing. Till then the daily tests were around 15,000.
Noting that from the first week of October, especially in Bengaluru, there has been a drastic reduction in the daily number of tests, the TAC report said: “The number of daily tests in the state capital from 10,249 (as on 1 October) has come down to 2,731 (as on October). 18). However, at the same time there is a slight increase in new cases in the recent past. From less than 100 new cases as of 10 October in BBMP areas, new cases nearly doubled to 199 on 18 October.
hospitalizations, deaths
TAC President MK Sudarshan told Hindu“Omicron is a variant of concern (VOC) and all its sub-versions should also be treated as VOCs. We have to watch for an increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths,” he said.
“We have recommended raising awareness through mass media and social media,” he said. “We cannot disrupt the lives and livelihoods of the people. So, we are keeping a close watch on tests, daily caseloads, hospitalizations and deaths.”
should undergo symptomatic examination
CN Manjunath, a member of the state’s committee of clinical experts, said it is better for people with symptoms to get tested to detect COVID-19. “Emerging subtypes are lineages of Omicron and not new forms. Though there is nothing to fear, people with fever, cough, cold, sore throat and difficulty in breathing should compulsorily get tested and self-isolate till the results are out,” he said.
“People with breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical care, preferably in a hospital. People should wear masks indoors, in air-conditioning places, poorly ventilated areas, closed spaces, crowded and health facilities,” he said.