We will initiate measures as situation evolves, says Health minister Sudhakar

BENGALURU: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Saturday hinted at stricter measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the coming days.

Speaking to reporters here, he said they will monitor the situation for the next 3-4 days and then come out with separate regulations for Bengaluru in view of New Year’s Eve celebrations, if necessary, after holding discussions.

Stating that there is no cause for concern at the moment, he said testing will be doubled as a precautionary measure, and focus will be on ILI/SARI patients. Sudhakar said he will hold discussions with Revenue Minister R Ashoka, who is also the vice-chairman of the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, and decide if a meeting should be convened to discuss the prevailing Covid situation.

“We are monitoring the situation across the country and we will take steps as the situation evolves. As of now, there is no cause for concern. No discussions have been held so far on regulations for New Year celebrations”, he added.

On vaccine availability, the minister said 10 lakh vials are available with the government, but there are no stocks of Covishield. “We have written to the Union government to provide more vaccine doses”, he added.

Sudhakar also pointed out that the Centre has approved a nasal vaccine wherein one drop of the vaccine is put in each nostril, just like how the oral polio vaccine is administered. He added that the nasal vaccine will also be included in the vaccine basket.