Mangaluru: Following reports on social media that over 40+ people including hospital staff at AJ Hospital in Mangaluru had tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital has issued a clarification that the reports are baseless and fake and has no truth in it.

In an official press release the hospital asserted that the hospital was duly following guidelines set by the government and that there was no need for any patient or hospital staff to be worried when any hospital follows the proper guidelines issued by the government.

“Government has given guidelines on managing hospitals and all are following their norms. As per their protocols when a healthcare worker uses personal protective equipment’s (PPE), they need not be quarantined. The patients visiting hospitals also need not worry of cross infection when protocols are followed” the press release stated.

“But a false news are being spread in social media regarding hospitals and it’s reported 40+ positive patients in our hospital; this is baseless, government releases its bulletin every day and this news is far from truth. As per precautionary measure 25 staffs who were involved in managing her (P-1009) are kept under observation only. They are not tested positive at all” the statement added.

“This press release is issued to take the fear off from peoples’ mind regarding hospitals and healthcare workers; just clapping, lighting lamp and ringing bell is not sufficient, appreciate the efforts of COVID warriors and support them instead of defaming them” the hospital further urged people.

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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.

The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.

He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.

Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.

The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.

Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.

Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.

Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.

He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.

These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.

On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.

Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.

In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.

Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.

For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.

Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.