64-year-old Bengaluru resident dies due to COVID-19 infection
Bengaluru (PTI): A 64-year-old man died in the city due to COVID-19 infection five days ago, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Wednesday. Asked if the cause of death is the new subvariant JN.1 of the SARS CoV-2 virus, he said it is not known so far.
The person, who had comorbidities, is a resident of Chamarajpet and died on December 15, the Minister told reporters.
"It is still not known whether the patient had JN.1 sub variant infection. He had heart failure, also TB infection. He also had hypertension, lung disease, bronchial asthma, along with COVID-19 and pneumonia," Rao added.
Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services, Randeep D, told PTI: "It's the first (COVID death) after recent surge in cases".
Rao, meanwhile, said the state government would increase testing to gauge the rate of COVID-19 infections. In the next three days, it intends to increase the number to 5,000 tests per day.
RT-PCR tests have been made mandatory for all severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, and at least 1 in 20 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, he said.
A meeting will be held with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Thursday to discuss further measures to be taken and preparations made, Rao said.
The Minister earlier attended a virtual meeting by union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with Health Ministers of all states, officials from the central and state governments, and representatives from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NITI Aayog, among others.
He said there is need to do more tests and genome sequencing to know about the spread of infection, adding, instructions have been issued to do more tests, especially in border districts -- Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Chamarajanagara and Mysuru.
Karnataka government on Tuesday issued an advisory asking people above 60 years, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and lactating mothers, to wear face masks when outdoor, and to strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas, in the wake of current Covid-19 situation in the country and detection of JN.1 sub variant in neighbouring Kerala.
It also issued a circular instructing authorities in districts bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu to be vigilant, and ensure adequate testing and timely reporting of Covid cases.
Karnataka has emerged as the state doing the most number of tests, Rao said. More than 1,000 tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours. Kerala is also doing nearly 1,000 tests daily.
"Our intention is to increase it (testing) every day and by Saturday we want to do 5,000 tests per day," he said.
For genome sequencing, there should be availability of at least 50 samples, he further said. "As we do more tests and sequencing, we will get an accurate picture on the situation and infection spread level. So the state government has decided to do this."
Highlighting that the Centre has advised to take all necessary precautions and preparations related to arrangements for oxygen supplies, ventilators and isolation beds, among others, he said the state government is already taking measures in this regard.
"We have requested the Centre for cooperation in reducing the cost of annual maintenance of PM CARE ventilators, as it is bit expensive. Also we have requested for restoring the ICMR portal which has not been functioning properly, to get regular data."
Asserting that there is no need for any worry, Rao said the state government has made it mandatory for all health workers to wear masks, as they will be more exposed to infections.
The Minister pointing out that the new variant has been found in various countries, and its spread may be fast like in the case of Omicron infections, but is not "strong and life threatening" as in the case of COVID first and second waves.
"We (Karnataka during today's meeting) raised a query about imposing any restrictions like in the case of foreign travelers and screening in border districts, bordering the states that have higher number of cases and at airports.
But the Centre said that there are no restrictions or screening as of now and if any change or fresh guidelines in this regard, it will communicate depending on the situation. However, if there are symptomatic cases, it can be looked at," he said.
On increasing COVID testing, Rao said there is a requirement of testing kits, and by Saturday the state will get enough supplies of RT-PCR kits and VTM vials required for testing.
There is no restriction on New Year celebrations and gatherings as of now, but wearing masks is always good for everyone, especially at crowded places, the Minister said.
He said the government has not gone into quarantine rules or protocol as of now. "We will look into it, if the severity of infection and hospitalisation increase."
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AIMPLB warns of protests, legal battle over Waqf Amendment Bill
Bengaluru: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday addressed a press conference following the conclusion of its national convention in Bengaluru. The Board raised concerns over several pressing national and international issues, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and recent controversies surrounding places of worship in the country. The Board also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, terming it a "genocide."
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warning the government of protests and legal challenges if the bill is passed without thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
"Waqf properties are donated specifically for the benefit of the Muslim community and for charitable purposes. These properties cannot and should not be altered or interfered with by the government," he said. Ilyas emphasized the historical and legal sanctity of Waqf properties, stating that any changes to the law without proper discussion would be unacceptable to the community.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was another critical issue discussed during the convention. Ilyas reiterated the Board's long-standing opposition to the UCC, stating that it threatens the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
"The UCC will disrupt the very fabric of this country. India thrives on its diversity, and a uniform code disregards this essential characteristic," he said. He explained that the Indian legal framework already accommodates individuals who choose not to follow their personal laws.
Ilyas also criticized the UCC implemented by the Uttarakhand government, calling it unconstitutional. "How can it be called a 'Uniform Civil Code' when it is applied only in one state?" he questioned. The AIMPLB plans to challenge the Uttarakhand UCC in the Nainital High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) soon.
The Board also addressed growing tensions surrounding places of worship, particularly the rising claims that some mosques were originally temples. Ilyas pointed out that such disputes are in violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1992, which mandates that the status of religious sites shall remain as they were in 1947.
"The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the Babri Masjid case, clearly stated that no further disputes of this nature should arise. Yet, we see new cases being brought up regularly," he said.
Citing a recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where police action against protesters left two dead, Ilyas condemned the violence. "This incident was tragic and could have been avoided. It is deeply condemnable," he added.
The AIMPLB also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ilyas termed the situation a "genocide," pointing to the reported deaths of over 45,000 people in the last year.
"This is not a war; it is a genocide. The international community must take urgent steps to address the issue," he said. The Board called for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace and justice in the region.
The press conference was attended by several senior AIMPLB officials, including the Board’s president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. The officials emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders and the Muslim community to address the challenges highlighted during the convention.
The AIMPLB pledged to continue its advocacy through protests, legal actions, and public engagement to safeguard the rights of the community and uphold the constitutional values of the country.
