Enforce mask rule strictly, increase testing & vaccination, panel tells Karnataka govt

BENGALURU: After a long spell of very few fresh Covid-19 cases, Bengaluru and also several states are again witnessing a rise in numbers, raising fears of a fourth wave. In this light, the state’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which met on Monday evening, has made certain recommendations to the government.

The recommendations have been made keeping in mind the projections of IIT Kanpur. They include compulsory wearing of masks, creating awareness among the public, increasing genomic sequencing, screening of international travellers, increasing testing to 30,000 samples every day, increasing the pace of vaccination, enforcing social distancing in public places like malls and theatres and allowing entry for only those who have taken two doses of vaccination.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has already issued instructions to increase testing in the city. Since the mask rule is not being followed, he has also asked for increasing awareness.