Expert committee to submit report to Karnataka govt on possible community transmission
Bengaluru: With a spike in coronavirus cases in the city, Revenue Minister R Ashoka on Sunday said an expert committee advising the Karnataka government on COVID-19 related matters would soon submit its report on possible community transmission.
"...There is a committee of experts, who have had discussions with the Chief Minister.
They will take three-four days to survey the entire Bengaluru after which they will give a report. Once they submit it, we will inform you," he told reporters in response to a question on whether there was community transmission.
The statement from the Minister, who is in-charge of COVID-19 management in the city, has come amid reports quoting some senior experts indicating that community transmission might have begun in some places, especially in certain parts of Bengaluru.
Ashoka said the government was looking at all options to control the spread of the virus and considering Ayurveda medicines to boost immunity.
"Certain states like Kerala have adopted some Ayurvedic practices...a team of doctors had met us in this regard- to increase immunity- there is a plan to distribute it (Ayurveda medicine) to people in Bengaluru.
No formal decision has been arrived at yet in this regard," he said.
The Minister said a new tag system, "a model to the entire country," would be introduced to keep a watch on those in quarantine and to prevent people from flouting this norm.
Once the person is tagged, it would remain active for 14 days and if the individual tried to cut it, a beep sound would alert officials manning the system, he said.
This was being done following complaints that those supposed to be in quarantine were roaming outside, keeping their phones at home, Ashoka said, adding that there were even reports of people escaping from hospitals.
"It (tag system) is in the process...we are in talks with a company in this regard," he added.
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
