Maha continues to add to Karnataka's COVID-19 tally; biggest single-day spike of 248 cases reported
Bengaluru: Karnataka recorded a biggest single-day spike of 248 COVID-19 cases with returnees from Maharashtra continuing to add to the state's tally, taking the virus to count to 2,781 on Friday.
One casualty was reported and with this, the COVID-19 death toll has gone up to 48, the health department said.
A whopping 208 out of the fresh cases are returnees from Maharashtra.
The previous biggest single-day spike was recorded on May 23 with 216 cases, when the state had breached the 200-mark for the first time, in terms of the number of positive cases per day.
As of May 29 evening, cumulatively 2,781 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 48 deaths and 894 discharges, the health department said in its bulletin.
It said out of 1,837 active cases, 1,822 patients are in isolation at designated hospitals and are stable, while 15 are in ICU.
According to the bulletin,60 patients have been discharged today.
A 50-year-old woman from Chikkaballapura became the 48th COVID-19 related fatality in the state.
The deceased woman, a road traffic accident victim with a head injury, was admitted to a private hospital on May 24 and because of acute kidney injury and pneumonia, the patient was shifted to designated hospital, Bengaluru on May 28.
She tested positive for COVID-19 and succumbed to the virus today.
Other than returnees from Maharashtra, the 248 cases include- eight each who have come from Delhi and Rajasthan, and one each from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, while one is with international travel history from Ireland.
Remaining cases include- seven who are contacts of patients earlier tested positive, three with a history of influenza-like illness, and one each with a history of severe acute respiratory infection and a containment zone. The contact history of eight others are still being traced.
Among the districts where the new cases were reported, Raichur accounted for 62, followed by Kalaburagi 61, Yadgir 60, Udupi 15, Bengaluru urban 12, Ballari nine, Chikkaballapura five, four each from Davangere, Hassan and Vijayapura, two each from Mandya, Mysuru, Tumakuru and Chikkamagaluru, and one each from Dharwad, Chitradurga, Shivamogga and Bengaluru rural.
Bengaluru Urban district still tops the list of positive cases, with a total of 303 infections, followed by Mandya 257 and Kalaburagi 251.
Among discharges too Bengaluru urban tops the list with a total of 151 discharges, followed by Belagavi 92 and Mysuru 89.
A total of 2,64,489 samples have been tested, of which 12,411 were tested on Friday alone.
According to the bulletin, 2,58,130 samples have reported as negative, 12,015 alone on Friday.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi CM inaugurates Atal Canteens, offering Rs 5 meals
New Delhi (PTI): The Atal Canteens, inaugurated on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will offer nutritious meals for just Rs 5.
The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to workers, the poor, and other needy residents of the national capital. The government has allocated Rs 104.24 crore for the operation and management of this ambitious scheme.
Each Atal Canteen will serve approximately 1,000 meals per day, benefiting over 1,00,000 people daily across Delhi, said an official statement.
Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurated an Atal Canteen near 'Apna Bazaar' in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar.
Gupta, along with ministers and dignitaries, also partook of a meal at the Atal Canteen and directed officials to ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.
Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said the Atal Canteens launched across Delhi on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee represent a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of service, good governance, and human sensitivity.
ALSO READ: Newly-wed woman dies by suicide in Karnataka; husband, in-laws held
He said that the scheme is not merely a welfare programme, but a strong commitment to extending dignified support to citizens at the last mile.
By providing nutritious meals for Rs 5, the spirit of public service is being strengthened.
He added that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi centred on service, good governance, and welfare of the poor, the initiative will ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.
Gupta also described the scheme as a significant step towards ensuring a life of respect and self-reliance for poor and hardworking citizens.
Recalling the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said his leadership and commitment to good governance continue to inspire public service initiatives across the country.
She said that 100 Atal Canteens are being established across Delhi. Of these, 45 canteens were virtually inaugurated on Thursday, while the remaining 55 will become operational within the next 15 to 20 days.
The chief minister said a symbolic contribution of Rs 5 has been fixed to preserve the self-respect of beneficiaries, encourage responsible consumption, and prevent food wastage.
Each beneficiary is provided freshly cooked meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5 per plate, while the Delhi government bears Rs 25 per meal.
Under this scheme, 100 Atal Canteens are being set up across Delhi. Each canteen will serve meals twice a day.
A standardised menu has been prepared for all canteens, including nutritious items such as dal-rice, roti, and vegetables. Facilities include modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants.
ALSO READ: All must join hands to maintain law and order: BNP’s Tarique Rahman after return to Bangladesh
To ensure transparency and smooth operations, digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and regular audits have been put in place. In addition, the quality of food and raw materials will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure safe and high-quality meals for citizens.
Each meal weighs approximately 600 grams, providing an average of 700-800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein, in line with balanced and nutritious dietary norms.
The lunch timings are from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner is from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Approximately 700 people will gain employment under this scheme.
For the operation of Atal Canteens, 11 experienced agencies have been selected by DUSIB through a transparent tendering process.
