COVID-19: Karnataka reports 368 new cases, two fatalities
Bengaluru, Feb 15: Karnataka on Monday clocked 368 new coronavirus cases and two deaths, taking the infection count and toll to 9,45,638 and 12,267 respectively, the health department said.
The second dose of the coronavirus vaccination drive for frontline and healthcare workers started today, it said.
According to a department bulletin, a total of 9,26,664 people were discharged so far, including 430 on Monday.
There were 5,772 active cases in the state which includes 128 in the ICU, the department added.
Bengaluru urban district reported 258 infections whereas both the fatalities of the day were reported in the city.
Cumulatively, the city has reported 4,02,212 infections, 4,430 deaths, 3,93,883 discharges, including 227 on Monday, and 3,898 active cases.
According to the bulletin, Tumakuru reported 25 fresh cases today followed by Shivamogga 20, Mandya 19, Hassan 14, Udupi 11, Mysuru and Kalaburagi 10 each.
Cases were also reported in Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Dakshina Kannada, Davangere, Dharwad, and Uttara Kannada.
Bidar, Chamarajanagar, Gadag, Kodagu, Kolar, Koppal, Ramanagar, Vijayapura and Yadgir districts recorded nil infection and zero fatality whereas Bagalkote reported one infection and zero fatality.
There were as many as 42,245 tests done on Monday including 40,517 using the RT PCR and other methods taking the total tests done so far to 1.80 crore, the department added.
According to the department, 13,840 out of 61,379 targeted COVID warriors were inoculated, which is 23 per cent of the target, on Monday.
Cumulatively, 5,10,474 out of 11,10,380 targeted corona warriors, comprising healthcare workers and frontline workers, have been vaccinated,it added.
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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.
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"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.
