BENGALURU: In a letter to the state government on Saturday, the Union health ministry highlighted the increase in weekly Covid cases in four districts, stating that necessary steps be taken for preventing spread of the infection.
The letter says Tumakuru has seen a 152% increase in fresh Covid cases from November 19-25 (46 cases) to November 26-December 2 (116).
Infections saw a 21% rise in Dharwad, followed by Bengaluru Urban (19%) and Mysuru (16.5%). In the same period, the state’s new cases jumped from 1,664 to 2,272, a 36.5% increase. Even Covid fatalities rose from 22 to 29 in Karnataka — the figure for Bengaluru Urban (inclusive of BBMP) climbed from 8 to 14 — adds the communique.
Steps to control the spread and reduce fatalities need to be taken as per the ongoing strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and by following Covid-appropriate behaviour, says the letter, a copy of which is with STOI.
The letter from Rajesh Bhushan, secretary, Union ministry of health and family welfare, also talks about enhanced surveillance of international travellers, continued monitoring of emerging hotspots, prompt contact tracing of Covidpositive individuals and follow up for 14 days. The ministry said all positive samples should be sent for genomic sequencing quickly.
Early identification of cases is needed through adequate testing, community sensitisation,and review of health infrastructure preparedness, as per the communique.
TK Anil Kumar, principal secretary, health and family welfare department, Karnataka, said the increase is because of the clusters seen in these districts. “These are all cluster cases and a slight increase is seen in Shivamogga too. We conducted testing in all colleges last week, which is why cases rose in the districts,” said Kumar.
But Kumar said daily new cases in the state crossing 400 is worrying. “We are working to strengthen contact tracing,” added Kumar.
