No case of COVID-19 in Dharwad, no need to panic: Minister Lad

Labour Minister Santosh Lad assures Dharwad residents no COVID-19 cases, urges precautions and adherence to government advisory.

As there were no cases of COVID-19 infection in Dharwad district so far, there is no need for the residents of Dharwad district to panic, said Santosh Lad, Labour Minister and district in-charge for Dharwad .

Chairing a meeting on COVID-19 preparations at Karnataka Medical College and Research Centre (KMCRI) in Hubballi on Wednesday, however he said that it was essential that everyone took precautionary measure in the wake of such cases being reported elsewhere in the State and the country.

The Minister said that soon the government would be issuing the COVID-19 advisory and everyone should adhere to it. “It is essential to maintain social distance at public places and use sanitisers and face masks . Especially senior citizens, pregnant women should be careful. Seniors should better put off their travel plans,” he said.

Chief Medical Officer of KMCRI Rajashekhar Dyaberi said that already COVID-19 task force had been constituted and a 40-bedded ward had been kept ready, The ward had all the requisite facilities including ventilators, he said.

He said that they were expecting arrival of COVID-19 test kits by next week and subsequently the testing would start.

Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. said that it was necessary the people should immediately approach the doctors for treatment of fever and cough instead of neglecting it.

Mr. Lad subsequently visited various wards of KMCRI and also checked the facilities at the COVID-19 ward.