Karnataka cabinet sub-committee on COVID to meet tomorrow to decide further measures
Bengaluru, Dec 25: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said the state government's Cabinet sub-committee will meet on December 26 to discuss on the recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on further measures to be taken to manage COVID-19 situation in the state.
He also indicated that there will be no imposition of any restrictions as of now, while stressing the need for people to remain cautious or take precautions.
"As we increase COVID tests, cases will increase. Our TAC has met yesterday and has held discussions, the cabinet sub-committee which is meeting tomorrow will look into their suggestions or recommendations and decide on what further measures need to be taken," Rao said.
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Speaking to reporters here, he said, other than urging people to be cautious and take precautions, there is no imposition of any restrictions for now.
"There are no restrictions as of now (on New Year celebration and other activities), I feel that there is no such situation. Nowhere in the country or world there is any restriction, despite JN.1 subvariant prevalent everywhere. There are no such guidelines from the central government or the World Health Organisation," he added.
The Karnataka government had recently constituted a four-member cabinet sub-committee headed by Rao for COVID-19 management.
With 1,441 tests done, Karnataka on Sunday reported 106 fresh cases of COVID infections, taking the total number of active cases in the state to 344. Bengaluru alone reported 95 fresh cases.
Rejecting Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka's allegation that the state government was in deep slumber on the issue of COVID, Rao said no government in the country has been as proactive as the Karnataka government, in taking measures to handle the COVID situation, taking precautions, and making necessary arrangements.
"We are not here to create panic among people...there are also Central government guidelines and TAC suggestions, which are being followed. The state government is handling things responsibly, there is no need to do politics on this," he said, adding that the Chief Minister has instructed that the mistakes of the past in handling the situation should not be repeated.
Ashoka in a post on X said, "Congress government is sleeping on Covid. Globally Covid-19 cases are rising, WHO has issued a warning, the Centre has sent an advisory to all States, but the Congress Govt in Karnataka is still in deep slumber putting the lives of people at risk."
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must immediately take stock of the situation and order a mock drill to ensure that all oxygen plants are operational, he added.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
