Two more South African strains of COVID-19 virus in Karnataka; 833 new cases, five deaths
Bengaluru, Mar 12: Two more cases with South African strain have been detected in Karnataka, as the state reported 833 new COVID-19 cases and five fatalities,taking the caseload to 9.58 lakh and the toll to 12,386, the Health department said on Friday.
The day also saw 545 patients getting discharged after recovery.
Bengaluru Urban continued to top the list of positive cases, accounting for 526 infections
Cumulatively 9,58,417 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes 12,386 deaths and 9,37,898 discharges, the Health department said in a bulletin.
Out of 8,114 active cases, 7,989 patients are stable and in isolation at designated hospitals, while 125 are in Intensive Care Units.
Bengaluru Urban also accounted for two deaths, while the other three were from Bidar, Dharwad and Kalaburagi.
Meanwhile, two cases with South African strain were detected in Ballari, taking the total number of such cases in the state to three.
The two had come to Ballari from Dubai last week.
They were subjected to tests after they developed symptoms and tested positive, official sources said, adding they were undergoing necessary treatment and due contact tracing processes have been followed.
The first COVID-19 positive case with South Africa strain in the state was found in Shivamogga on March 10.
Among fresh cases, Kalaburagi followed Bengaluru Urban with 38, Tumakuru 36, Dakshina Kannada 35 and Kolar 30, followed by others.
Bengaluru Urban district topped the list of positive cases, with a total of 4,10,181, followed by Mysuru 54,367 and Ballari 39,386.
Among discharges too, Bengaluru Urban headed the list with 3,99,656, followed by Mysuru 53,144 and Ballari 38,686.
A total of over 1,96,44,839 samples have been tested so far, out of which 73,632 were tested on Friday alone.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
