In light of the rise in COVID-19 cases, due to the new JN.1 subvariant in Kerala, the Karnataka Health Department issued an advisory on December 19th. In view of upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, and the expected crowding in closed spaces, the general public has been advised to comply with the following measures in this advisory issued by Randeep D, the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services:
- All elderly (60 years and above), co-morbid (particularly with kidney, heart, liver ailments etc.), pregnant women and lactating mothers, when outdoor shall wear face masks, and strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated and crowded areas.
- All those with respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, cold, running nose, etc., shall seek medical consultation early. They should wear face masks (covering nose and mouth) and avoid visiting closed, poorly-ventilated spaces, and crowded areas.
- Good personal hygiene maintenance, including frequent hand washing, is necessary.
- When unwell stay at home, and minimize contact with other people, especially seniors and those who are vulnerable. At crowded places, if not well ventilated, wearing a mask is advised.
- When travelling overseas, stay vigilant and adopt relevant travel precautions, such as wearing mask at the airport and inside aircraft and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation.
Karnataka has recorded 79 COVID-19 cases as on December 20th, according to The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.