The minister said that some 2,500 people have arrived in Karnataka from the UK in one week (Representative)
Bangalore:
Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said on Friday that so far 10 people who have come to the state from the UK have tested positive for COVID-19 and their samples have been sent for genetic sequencing to find out if it is a new strain of virus infected them.
Among the returnees from the UK, according to the information I have, about 10 people tested positive, all their samples were sent to NIMHANS, it takes two to three days for genetic sequencing, once that (report) is available, we will know if it is the second strain and, consequently, we will follow the necessary procedures for the treatment, “he said.
Speaking to reporters, Sudhakar said that things related to this second strain were still being studied and, according to initial studies, the variant of South African origin was more intense than that found in the UK.
“Based on the final reports that we obtain, we will take the necessary measures. Trust the government, before making any decision that we think a hundred times over. Protecting people’s health is our top priority,” he added.
The minister had recently said that some 2,500 people have arrived in the state from the UK from November 25 to December 22 on two flights, Air India and British Airways operating, and efforts are underway to track, monitor their health and subdue them. to tests. .
The state government had announced to impose a nightly curfew amid concerns about a new variant of COVID-19 spreading in the UK, but on Thursday decided to lift the curfew just six hours before it started, amid opposition from various sectors, including opposition parties. and a media section.
In trying to defend the decision to impose a night curfew, Sudhakar said, the shutdown of economic activities will also cause losses to the government, even though the administration had decided to go ahead with the measure with public health in mind.
“Isn’t it the government’s duty to remind people to follow the rules and guidelines in a given situation,” he asked.
Apparently, several ministers in the cabinet were also unhappy with the move to impose the night curfew and had expressed their fear that it would help contain the spread of the virus, considering that the curfew was between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. .
Responding to criticism against the government, the minister pointed out that this is the same government that has achieved the recovery rate of 97.5 percent, reduced the mortality rate to 1.22 percent.
“There is a blockade in the UK, as there has been a night curfew in Germany for 20 days, are you stupid? … we have not made any political decisions so far, the Technical Advisory Committee composed of public health experts was consulted before to make a decision, including this (night curfew), “he said.
The decision to impose a curfew after 11 pm was made with the public interest in mind to ensure that normal life is not impaired, Sudhakar said, adding that “almost all of our parties this year were celebrated in a simple, but outrage was expressed against tonight touches the curfew as if it was necessary for young people to have fun or celebrate during the new year. “
“I have seen comments from some opposition leaders, if something happens, they will be held accountable,” he said, adding that the media must also remember that the government makes responsible decisions in the public interest.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
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