Karnataka Govt. notifies measures to curb the spread of SARS Cov-2 and influenza cases; mandates availability of drugs and logistics for influenza and COVID-19 cases across healthcare facilities

In view of the recent spurt in COVID-19 and influenza cases, the Health Department of Karnataka has notified the following guidelines for State/ District Health Authorities and BBMP Authorities to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

• Focus on 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) to be continued;
• Laboratory Surveillance and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases are required to be enhanced;
• Availability of required drugs and logistics for Influenza and Covid-19 cases, across Healthcare facilities along with availability of sufficient beds and human resources is required to be ensured;
• Effective monitoring of IRI / SARI cases and testing of influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Adenovirus needs to be followed up;
• Wearing of masks in hospitals to be ensured and masks need to be worn when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas including closed spaces and poorly ventilated spaces;
• Mock drills are required to be conducted at Healthcare facilities at prescribed intervals confirm the functional status of equipment and to ensure readiness for all exigencies;
• The exercise of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for tracking of newer variants should be expedited to evoke timely response. The suitable samples should be sent to BMCRI, NIMHANS and NCBS.

A copy of the Notification is linked below for ease of reference.

Source: Commissionerate, Health and Family Welfare