Karnataka reported 78 new cases, and in the previous day, one fatality linked to COVID occurred. With four Covid deaths confirmed since December 15, there are now 175 active cases in the state overall. A four-member cabinet subcommittee led by state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was established by the Karnataka government on Friday to oversee the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic. The panel has three ministers, including Dr. H C Mahadevappa, Minister of Social Welfare, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister of Medical Education, and Dr. M C Sudhakar, Minister of Higher Education, in addition to Rao.
Karnataka's private schools have been ordered to revert to health norms and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in an effort to stem the infection's spread, given the rise in Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 cases in the region. The Karnataka Private Schools Association (KAMS) released a directive on December 19th, instructing private schools to counsel pupils suffering from viral fever, cold, or cough to seek medical assistance. Despite the increasing number of diseases, the state Health Department has not yet issued any advisories to schools in the state.
The Association has also instructed schools to avoid spreading fear and to be on the lookout for fraudulent communications pertaining to JN.1. Additionally, it has been suggested that schools begin routinely monitoring the temperature and sanitizing their facilities. Principals and instructors have been instructed by the Association to take extra precautions with hygiene both inside and outside of schools and homes, and students who are considered to be "low on immunity" have been urged to wear masks.
