Samples from these patients have been sent for genome sequencing to establish whether they have been affected by the new variant.
Up to 10 passengers who returned from the UK since Nov. 25 have tested positive for Covid so far in Karnataka, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr K Sudhakar said on Friday.
“According to the information I have, 10 people tested positive. All their samples have been sent to NIMHANS, it takes two to three days for genetic sequencing … once that report is published, we will know if it is the second strain, and accordingly we will follow the necessary procedures for treatment, “he said in response to a question at a press meeting.
According to him, the details related to this variant are still being worked out and according to initial studies, another strain of this virus discovered in South Africa is much more serious than the variant found in the United Kingdom.
“We can only take action after receiving the reports from these 10 positive patients. As we obtain them, we will take the necessary steps. I call on people to have faith in the government, before making any decision, we think a hundred times. Protecting people’s health is our main concern, ”he said.
The minister had recently said that nearly 2,500 people arrived in the state from the UK between November 25 and December 22 on flights operated by Air India and British Airways, and efforts were underway to track, monitor their health and subject them to tests.
Responding to criticism against the government, the minister observed that this is the same government that has achieved a 97.5% recovery rate and lowered the fatality rate to 1.22%.
“After the new variant was discovered, countries like Britain and Germany have taken strict measures such as ordering the closure and then enforcing the curfew. What does this indicate?” I ask.
Sudhakar added that the decision to enforce the curfew after 11pm was made with the public interest in mind to ensure that normal life is not affected. “When almost all of our parties this year were celebrated in a moderate way, why is this outrage against this nightly curfew as if young people need to have fun or celebrate during the new year? you will be responsible if something goes wrong.
The state government had announced an eight-day night curfew, but lifted it Thursday hours before it was supposed to go into effect.
Several cabinet ministers reportedly opposed the decision to impose a night curfew, while the Opposition expressed apprehension about whether it would help contain the spread of the virus, considering that the curfew was between 11 p.m. and 11 p.m. 5 am.
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