Kodagu on high alert: Karnataka Health Minister urges vigilance amidst COVID-19 scare in Kerala

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited Kushalnagar on Monday. Photo: Special Arrangement

Kushalnagar: The Kodagu district administration has been instructed to remain vigilant and implement essential measures in response to concerns about COVID-19 in the neighboring state of Kerala, where a sub-strain of the virus has reportedly been identified.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited Kushalnagar on Monday, and announced people aged 60 and above, with comorbidities, and showing symptoms like cough and fever, to wear face masks in the state. This precautionary directive from Mr. Rao was prompted by the identification of a case involving the COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 in the neighboring state of Kerala.

Mr. Rao informed reporters that measures, such as intensifying testing for individuals showing symptoms and suspected cases, will be implemented. Furthermore, there will be enhanced surveillance in border districts. He stated that officials have been instructed to closely monitor the situation throughout the state.

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"We have directed our hospitals and health centers to be ready. Increased surveillance measures should be enforced in border districts such as Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and Chamarajanagar, which have borders with Kerala. The government will decide on any required additional actions based on the evolving situation," he added.

During 2020 and 2021,amid Covid 19 pandemic, Kodagu continued to be classified as a high-risk district due to its proximity to Kerala, where COVID-19 cases were surging. Villages near the border in Kodagu were prioritized for vaccination as a preventive measure against the spread of the virus. The government maintained vigilant oversight over Kodagu, considering it one of the focus districts in the state, given its close proximity to Kerala, a COVID-19 hotspot.

Mr Rao visited his ancestral home in Kushalnagar

While touring the Kodagu district and inspecting various health infrastructure, Mr. Rao paid a visit to the Primary Health Center in Kushalnagar. Additionally, he conducted a surprise visit to Namma Clinic in Kushalnagar.

Meanwhile, he went to his ancestral home in the town, which is the birthplace of his father and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Gundu Rao. He also participated in an event organized by the Kushalnagar Brahmins Welfare Association.

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