Bengaluru, 25 May

With fresh Covid-19 cases being reported in the state, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday said the government is taking all the necessary precautionary measures, including testing the risky cases.

Speaking to reporters after the death of an 84-year-old man with severe comorbidities, who tested positive for Covid-19, the minister said, "He had several issues. So we have asked for an audit. We cannot say directly that he died because of Covid only".

Commenting on the current Covid status, he said that the situation at present is not concerning or calls for restrictions.

Officials and experts are constantly monitoring, and decisions on any further measures, if needed, will be taken based on the situation, in consultation with the central government, he added.

"An 84-year-old man has died. The death probably happened on 17 May. We are getting this death audited. He was tested Covid positive, but he was bedridden for a year, he had a hip replacement, he had heart issues, and he was a TB patient. So we have asked for an audit to get a clear report," he said.

According to the health department, 38 active Covid-19 cases were reported in the state, including 32 in Bengaluru as on Saturday evening.

"We have asked our department officials to conduct tests. RT-PCR testing kits will most probably reach our centres by tomorrow or the day after. So, wherever necessary, we have asked for tests to be conducted, especially with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases among aged people and children. This is compulsory at private and government hospitals," Rao said.

"Let's see the situation for four to five days in the state and the country," and instructions have been given to hold technical advisory committee meetings every week, he added.

Responding to a question, the Minister ruled out any negligence on the part of the government. He said that all the measures are being taken, and a technical committee meeting has been held.

"We should not create unnecessary panic among people. Do you want a lockdown to be imposed? There is no question of any negligence. Based on real position on the ground and considering all factors across the state, entire country and what other states are doing, measures will be taken, and our officials are in touch with the Centre," he said.

There should be no lagging behind in taking precautionary measures, and hence testing kits have already been procured and they are being sent across the state, and officials have been asked to conduct tests, Rao said.

"When the test results come, we will get to know what is the situation," he added.