Among those who tested positive, 15 people were from Bengaluru.
Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said on Monday that 26 people who returned from the UK last month had tested positive for the coronavirus in the state. The number increased from 14 people reported Sunday. Among those who tested positive, 15 people were from Bengaluru. All those who tested positive were isolated in government hospitals in Karnataka, K Sudhakar said.
The samples from those who tested positive were sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru before being sent to the laboratory designated by the Union government. A total of 38,500 travelers arrived in Karnataka from the UK from November 25 to December 22, when the Union government imposed restrictions on flights between India and the UK. Authorities said that of this, 2,500 people arrived on two flights, Air India and British Airways, and efforts were made to track these passengers, monitor their health and conduct tests.
Sudhakar hinted at strict action against returnees from the UK who were untraceable and had turned off their mobile phones. There could even be police actions against them, the minister said.
“I ask returnees from the UK to cooperate with us as responsible citizens. You have to get tested. If you don’t get tested and don’t turn off the phone, then it’s a crime,” Sudhakar said.
The Minister reconfirmed that the genetic sequencing test reports were being prepared as directed by the Prime Minister’s Office. They will be sent to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), which will likely share the information with the public in a day or two, he said.
A statement from the Minister’s office, quoting him, said there will be new guidelines for New Year’s celebrations and that he will meet with the Interior Ministry about it soon. The cabinet will also discuss the decision to reopen the schools as of January 1. The Vidyagama scheme for classes 6 to 9 will also resume alongside the regular classes for students in classes 10 and 12.
Responding to criticism against the government, the minister pointed out that the government that achieved the COVID-19 recovery rate of 97.5%, reduced the fatality rate to 1.22%.
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