New COVID Variant: Karnataka Health Minister says masks mandatory, guidelines to be issued today
Bengaluru: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that masks are now mandatory for individuals aged 60 and above in response to the detection of a mutated strain of the coronavirus in the state. Speaking at a media briefing in Kushal Nagar today, he mentioned that the health department would release guidelines on Covid-related measures later in the day.
Minister Rao reassured the public, stating that there is no need for undue concern about the mutation of the coronavirus. He informed that precautionary measures are being discussed, and a meeting with health department officials has already taken place.
The Technical Advisory Committee, led by Dr. Ravi, has proposed several recommendations, including the mandatory use of masks for individuals aged 60 and above, especially those with heart-related and respiratory conditions. Minister Dinesh Gundurao stated that the health department would issue guidelines based on the committee's suggestions.
Minister Rao directed health department officials to increase testing efforts. District health officers have been instructed to ensure the availability of necessary resources such as beds and PPE kits. He noted that additional precautions have been implemented in districts bordering Kerala.
Minister Dinesh Gundurao urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as cold, fever, and cough to undergo COVID-19 testing. He clarified that stringent measures in public places would only be necessary if the number of positive cases rises significantly. As of now, there is no cause for alarm, and the situation is under control, according to the Health Minister.
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No demons in pitch, just RCB’s brilliance: Krunal on DC Collapse
New Delhi (PTI): RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya says the dramatic Indian Premier League contest against Delhi Capitals was decided as much by skill as by staying "one step ahead" in the mental game.
Reflecting on the comprehensive nine-wicket win, which will be remembered for an incredible capitulation of Delhi, Krunal underlined that there no demons in the wicket but just that pacers Bhuvneswar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were exceptional.
"To get six wickets in the powerplay, you have literally taken the game away from the opponent. The wicket wasn't that bad, but it was pure skill set and why they are among the best," Krunal said.
Krunal also shed light on his own evolution as a bowler, revealing that the introduction of variations like the bouncer and altered trajectory deliveries was a conscious attempt to outthink batters in a format increasingly dominated by power-hitting.
"Every year the opposition prepares for you, so it becomes a mental game as well. I was thinking what I can add to be one step ahead. That’s where the bouncer and change in trajectory came in," he explained.
The left-arm spinner acknowledged that executing such variations is physically demanding, particularly for a spinner.
"It's not easy for a spinner to bowl a bouncer. A lot depends on fitness. But I've never been scared to try new things. I took it as a challenge," he said.
Touching upon his cricketing roots, Krunal revealed that the seeds of his experimental approach were sown years ago while playing on matting wickets, where he was forced to innovate after being taken apart by batters.
"That's where I learnt things like bouncers and wide yorkers. Over time, roles change, but this year I felt the need to add something new, especially with how aggressively batters are playing," he said.
Despite the dominant performance, Krunal struck a cautious note on RCB's campaign, insisting that the team is not looking too far ahead in the tournament. As of now they are placed second in the table with 12 points from six wins in eight matches.
Along with Punjab Kings, RCB are favourites from here to claim top-two spot in the race to play-offs.
The 33-year-old lauded Virat Kohli for his sustained excellence, calling him a "flag bearer" of fitness culture in Indian cricket.
"To have that consistency for so many years is unbelievable. He has changed the way people see fitness in the sport," Krunal added.
