468 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, 2 deaths
Bengaluru, Jan 29: Karnataka logged 468 fresh COVID-19 cases and two more deaths, taking the total infection count to 9,38,401 and the toll to 12,211, the Health department said on Friday.
The day also saw 607 patients getting discharged after recovery.
Bengaluru Urban continued to top the state in the number of cases, accounting for 264 infections
Cumulatively 9,38,401 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 12,211 deaths and 9,20,110 discharges, the Health department said in a bulletin.
It said that out of 6,061 active cases, 5,913 patients are stable and in isolation at designated hospitals, while 148 are in Intensive Care Units.
Bengaluru Urban and Mandya accounted for one death each.
Among the districts where the new cases were reported, Bengaluru Urban accounted for 264, Mysuru and Tumakuru 30, Dakshina Kannada 26, Chitradurga 20, followed by others.
Bengaluru Urban district topped the list of positive cases with a total of 3,98,411, followed by Mysuru 53,348 and Ballari 39,134.
Among discharges too, Bengaluru Urban was on top with 3,90,147, followed by Mysuru 52,109 and Ballari 38,491.
A total of over 1,68,84,991 samples have been tested so far, out of which 68,532 were tested on Friday alone.
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.
Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
