Karnataka reports 15 new positive COVID-19 cases, state Health Ministry initiates plasma therapy trial at Victoria Hospital

According to a mid-day bulletin released by the state government on Saturday, 15 news positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Karnataka. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 489 including 18 deaths and 153 discharges.

Out of these new cases, six are from Bengaluru, including a 34-year-old man who had visited a containment zone in the city. All the other five confirmed patients are from Bengaluru and came in close contact of a 54-year-old man who was earlier diagnosed with coronavirus and had a history of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection.

Besides, six people have tested positive from Belagavi’s Hirebagewadi and all of them have come in direct contact with a 20-year-old man with travel history to Delhi.

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Apart from these, an 18-year-old boy from Chikkaballapura having a travel history to Hinupura and Anantapura in Andhra Pradesh, a 37-year-old man from Mandya and a 33-year-old woman from Dakshina Kannada have tested positive.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu on Saturday initiated Phase 1 clinical trials to use plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients at Bengaluru-based BMC Victoria Hospital. He was accompanied by Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.

“Karnataka has taken a lead role as we initiate Phase 1 clinical trials to use Convalescent Plasma Therapy for severe COVID-19 infected patients. BMC Victoria hospital took the first step today. We are determined to vanquish this enemy of mankind,” Sriramulu said in to tweet.