Bengaluru Airport To Screen Fliers As Karnataka Steps Up Covid Measures
NDTV
Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that the state is preparing to face "any kind of situation".
Karnataka is preparing to send COVID-19 test samples for genome sequencing, step up the booster dose programme and will soon start screening passengers at the Bengaluru airport following an alert by the union government over a spike in coronavirus cases in other countries, the government said on Wednesday.
"In the wake of new variants being found in other countries, the Union Health Ministry has directed states to send samples of all new Covid cases for genomic sequencing, and we have already taken measures to implement the same," said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
Speaking to the media in Belagavi, Dr Sudhakar said that some countries including China and Japan are witnessing a sudden spurt in cases. China's rate of hospitalisation has been particularly alarming.
"Therefore, we need to focus on booster dose coverage. Measures have been taken to send samples for genomic sequencing to trace new variants as per the centre's guidelines. A high-level meeting will be chaired by the Chief Minister to discuss the next steps," the minister said.