Corona Restrictions to Return in Karnataka? Team Bommai Goes in Huddle Amid Emergence Of New COVID Mutants in Bengaluru

COVID Restricitons in Karnataka: Experts are of the view that fourth Covid wave could begin in Karnataka in three to four weeks. Karnataka on Sunday recorded 60 new cases of the virus with zero fatalities and a positivity rate of 0.72 per cent. The active cases in the state stood at 1,676.

Bengaluru: Days after two new SARS-CoV-2 mutants—BA.2.10 and BA.2.12, related to the Omicron sub-variant BA.2, were detected here, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai has convened a meeting to review the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the state. Cabinet ministers, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) chairperson Sudarshan and other TAC members are expected to attend the meeting at Chief Minister’s home office, Krishna at 12:30 PM.

State to Bring New Guidelines After April 27

Earlier on Sunday, Basavaraj Bommai had said that the state government will bring coronavirus guidelines after a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 April. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Bommai urged the people to take all the necessary precautions and not to drop their guards.

“The Union government has already issued a caution alert. A slight increase in cases has been recorded in Kerala and Maharashtra in the last 8-10 dats, Based on the experience of the last three waves, experts too have suggested suitable precautionary measures”, he added.

Fourth Wave to Hit Karnataka in 3-4 Weeks 

Earlier on Saturday, CN Manjunath, director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru had opined that there is a possibility of a fourth Covid wave beginning in Karnataka in three to four weeks, and the BA.2 variant might be responsible for the surge.

However, if a fourth wave hits the state, the number of people getting admitted to hospitals will be lesser than before though the infection will spread rapidly, Manjunath stated.

“There are no restrictions in place in the state now and all activities have resumed just like in the pre-Covid period. This is going to result in a spike in Covid cases in another two weeks. People need to be cautious,” he warned, adding that those with comorbidities need to be cautious, while wearing masks should again be made mandatory.