Jan 14: 28,723 new COVID cases in Karnataka; 20,121 in Bengaluru Urban
Bengaluru, Jan 14: Karnataka on Friday reported 28,723 new cases of COVID-19, including 20,121 in Bengaluru Urban, as it recorded the highest number of tests since the beginning of the pandemic at over two lakh.
There were 14 new fatalities (Bengaluru - seven), the Health Department said in a bulletin.
"Highest testing since the beginning of pandemic with 2.21 lakh tests today," State Health and Medical Education Mnister K Sudhakar tweeted on Friday.
Positivity rate stood at 12.98 per cent in the State, where there were 1,41,337 active cases, including close to 1.01 lakh in the city.
Sudhakar said although the cases are increasing by the day, only about five to six per cent are getting hospitalised.
"However, it is a matter of concern that nursing staff are getting infected. So we should not be complacent as it may overwhelm our health infrastructure", he said.
Experts have opined that the third wave in the State may peak by February first week and start receding by third or fourth week of next month, according to him.
Noting that week-end restrictions have been enforced from last week, the Minister said: "We can't expect the infection to reduce in seven days. In the first two waves we needed at least 14 days to break the chain. It is lesser in this wave, but the infection is spreading 5-6 times faster".
"We will get to see the result of week-end curfew in the next few days", Sudhakar added.
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SC urges action on overcrowded prisons: emphasises prison reform and women inmates' health
New Delhi: Supreme Court has intensified its call for action on the issue of overcrowding in Indian prisons, highlighting the need for urgent reforms. During a hearing, Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah dealt with the importance of addressing the inadequate infrastructure of jails across various States and Union Territories (UTs).
The court directed Chief Secretaries of concerned States/UTs to submit affidavits detailing plans for implementing recommendations aimed at alleviating overcrowding. This includes proposals for infrastructure improvements and clear timelines for implementation.
While most states complied, Delhi faced a delay due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody. The Additional Solicitor General representing Delhi outlined proposals for a common committee to address infrastructure challenges, with a commitment to submit a report within two weeks.
The court focused on states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh, which have witnessed significant overcrowding issues in their prisons. Data collected by the court-appointed Amicus highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive assessments and reforms. Justice Kohli stressed that while incarceration restricts freedom of movement, it shouldn't entail living in deplorable conditions detrimental to inmates' health.
