Karnataka govt issues advisory to people in wake of detection of new COVID sub-variant
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued an advisory urging people to adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour in view of newer sub-variants of Coronavirus being reported in neighbouring Maharashtra.
The health department has also advised people with symptoms such as cough, cold and fever to get tested at nearest hospitals and isolate themselves till the results are out. "In view of reporting newer sub-variants of Omicron BQ.1 (US variant) BA.2.3.20 apart from XBB, which is a recombinant of BA.2.75 and BJ.1 in Maharashtra and in the context of the ensuing festival season of Deepavali and Kannada Rajyothsava the following advisory is issued to General public, the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare said. "Those with fever, cough, cold, sore throat, breathing difficulty should compulsorily get tested immediately at the nearest hospital or health centres (preferably Rapid Antigen Test, if negative then RT-PCR, and get self-isolated till the results are received," the department said.
Those with breathing difficulties should seek urgent medical care, preferably in a hospital.
Face masking while indoors, in places with air-conditioning, not well-ventilated areas, closed places, in crowds and in health facilities (N-95 / medical masks). It is very important that elderly and Co-morbid wear face masks in public areas, the advisory read.
The department has asked people to observe festivities outdoors and avoid crowding indoors as far as possible.
Further, those who are due for booster or precautionary dose of vaccination would need to get vaccinated. It is important that those who are aged 60 years and above, and with co-morbidities (particularly not naturally infected previously) should get vaccinated early. Those who are immune-deficient and immunosuppressed, on renal dialysis, taking anticancer drugs, etc. are advised to get vaccinated on priority basis in consultation with their treating doctor, the advisory said.
The department said that the COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) like coughing and sneezing into folded elbows, use of tissues, hand kerchief, not to blow nose and spit in public areas, hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with symptomatic persons should be followed.
In addition to the general advisory, the department has also asked people to use environment friendly "green crackers" in the larger interest of public health and safety.
The department has also asked the authorities concerned in the districts and municipal areas to ensure the compliance of the same.
In view of reporting newer sub-variants of Omicron BQ.1 (US variant)
— K'taka Health Dept (@DHFWKA) October 25, 2022
BA.2.3.20 apart from XBB, which is a recombinant of BA.2.75 and BJ.1 in Maharashtra and in the context of the ensuing festival season of Deepavali & Kannada Rajyothsava the following advisory pic.twitter.com/VmBeYYoODL
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Kodagu: Five arrested for murder of coffee estate owner
Madikeri: Kodagu police have arrested five men in connection with the murder of coffee estate owner Pradeep Koili, whose body was found at his residence in Kongana village on April 23. Among those arrested is NS Anil, a short film director and actor, who has been identified as the main accused in the case.
Pradeep Koili, a native of Kannur in Kerala, was living alone at his plantation located under the B Shettigeri Gram Panchayat limits. He was found dead at his home last week, allegedly strangled using a nylon rope. The murder, which shocked the local community, triggered an intensive investigation led by a 12-member police team.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, Kodagu Superintendent of Police Ramarajan said that the five arrested individuals have been remanded to judicial custody. The accused have been identified as NS Anil (25) from Mugutageri village, Harish TS (29) from Nalluru village in Ponnampet taluk, Deepak (21) from Abburukatte village, Stefen D'Souza (26) from Nerugalale village, and Karthik HM (27) from Hithalamakki village in Somwarpet taluk.
According to police, Anil, the primary suspect, had been under pressure after a marriage proposal fell through. During the marriage discussions, the prospective bride’s family is said to have expressed reservations about Anil due to his lack of employment and assets. Police believe this setback may have motivated him to plot the murder, allegedly in a bid to acquire wealth quickly.
SP Ramarajan also revealed that Anil had a history of fraud. He had previously duped several residents in Bengaluru, Hassan, and Ponnampet by falsely claiming he could help locate hidden treasure on their properties. Similar fraudulent attempts were also reported in areas like Thithimathi, Konanakatte, and nearby villages.
In the present case, Anil had reportedly approached Pradeep Koili pretending to represent foreign buyers interested in purchasing the estate. He is said to have paid the victim Rs 1 lakh as advance to gain his trust.
CCTV footage from the area showed that the accused had attempted to cover up the crime by burying Koili’s body and trying to destroy surveillance cameras. During the investigation, police recovered Rs 13 lakh allegedly stolen from Koili’s house. They also seized two motorcycles, three mobile phones, and documents related to the estate property.
