Cluster declaration if 3 cases are found: CM Bommai
Bengaluru, Dec 4: With two cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 being detected in Karnataka, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said that any area with three or more cases of coronavirus in the state would be declared as a cluster.
"Earlier, we had decided to identify a place as cluster with 10 COVID-19 cases, but now we have decided to minimise it to three. People in that area will undergo tests, treatment and vaccination," he told reporters here.
He said he has observed that cases are emerging in two types of clusters in the state -- one in schools and colleges and the other, in residential apartments in Bengaluru.
Bommai said double dose of vaccine has been made mandatory for parents of students who attend regular classes and that testing is compulsory for all the inmates and staff of student hostels.
The tests would also be mandatory for those with co-morbidities, the Chief Minister said, adding that officials have been instructed to take foolproof measures.
On the Omicron variant, Bommai said the state has received the preliminary report and the health department has been instructed to submit a detailed report to the government.
Officials have also been directed to get the treatment protocol from the nations where the Omicron is present.
"At present we have information that the same treatment for the Delta infected patients is given for Omicron patients. Yet I have asked the officials to get the treatment protocol to give proper treatment to those who contracted the Omicron variant," Bommai said.
He pointed out that experts have opined that Omicron is a fast spreading variant, but has not shown severe implications.
"However instructions have been issued to intensify tracing and treatment," Bommai said.
To a query on Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavia's statement that no state, except Punjab, had submitted reports on deaths caused by oxygen shortage, the CM said "I have no information in what context the statement was made."
Asked about state Health Minister Dr Sudhakar's statement about 10 passengers from South Africa found missing in the state, Bommai said "I have not received official information about it. I will speak to the Health Minister about it."
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
