COVID travel update: Karnataka brings back mandatory 7-day isolation for COVID patients

As per the latest development, Karnataka brings back 7-day isolation for COVID-19 patients. Referring to this, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that individuals testing positive for COVID-19 in the state would have to undergo a mandatory week-long home quarantine.

Following a Technical Advisory Committee meeting, he disclosed that 36 individuals had tested positive for the JN.1 variant of COVID-19, which contributed to the existing 436 active cases, and that they were all managed through home isolation, and closely monitored by health officials.

Rao also asked those with COVID-19 to stay home for a week, while urging both government and private entities to grant leave to affected individuals unable to attend work.

The Minister further revealed that, out of 60 samples subjected to genome sequencing, 34 were identified as the JN.1 variant, along with another variant, JN.1.1. Assuring the public, Rao added that while the variant is new, there is no cause for panic, citing the World Health Organization’s classification as a variant of interest with no advisory indicating danger.

Of the 436 positive cases, around 400 individuals are in home isolation, and seven are in ICUs. Rao highlighted that those in home isolation are being monitored, as the data collected will be important for future precautionary measures.

Reports add that the state government is procuring additional resources, including four oxygen containers, and has requested 30,000 precautionary vaccines from the central government.

Rao informed that the precautionary vaccines are Corbett vaccines, as Covaxin and Covishield are presently unavailable. The state government has sought the central government’s stock of these vaccines.

Further, Karnataka reported 74 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths with comorbidities, both from Mysuru and Dakshina Kannada districts. The JN.1 variant was detected in 34 cases, with Bengaluru city leading at 20 cases.

Despite the surge, Minister Rao assured no restrictions on New Year celebrations, advising necessary precautions in crowded places. The state health department have urged people to follow COVID-appropriate behavior for celebrations, including social distancing, face masking, hand sanitization, and respiratory hygiene.

Individuals with respiratory symptoms were advised to avoid festive and recreational places, and seek medical consultation instead.