Covid-19 Cases In Karnataka: Following 2 Covid Deaths In Bengaluru, Masks Mandatory In Public Transport

Bengaluru grapples with two recent Covid-related deaths, including an elderly man on December 17, as concerns regarding the JN.1 subvariant grow alongside a nationwide surge in cases. This development comes amidst heightened vigilance around Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The reported deaths included a 76-year-old man, a resident of Chamarajpet, displaying influenza-like symptoms on December 17 and a 44-year-old patient without symptoms who passed away on December 16.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has made masks mandatory for individuals traveling on buses.

Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has called for a meeting on Thursday to address any potential upsurge in coronavirus cases, gathering the technical advisory committee on Covid and other experts to evaluate the state's readiness.

According to the Karnataka health department, the 44-year-old asymptomatic patient was admitted to Bengaluru Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research on November 23, grappling with additional health issues such as heart disease.

Also, the symptomatic 76-year-old was admitted to a private hospital on September 12 due to breathlessness and subsequently succumbed to 'aspiration pneumonia.'

State Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao mentioned the department's efforts to ascertain if Covid was the primary cause of death in these cases. He emphasized an escalation in daily testing to 1,500 tests and assured the availability of sufficient ventilator beds and medications as needed.