Karnataka Covid Rules: Mandatory 7-Day Home Isolation For Covid-Positive Individuals, Contact Testing

All individuals testing positive for Covid are now required to undergo a seven-day home isolation period, while their symptomatic primary contacts must undergo testing. This directive was decided upon by a cabinet sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, in response to the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant. Guidelines regarding this will soon be released by the government.

Out of the 74 new cases reported on Tuesday, 57 have been identified in Bengaluru. Additionally, the state confirmed two Covid-related deaths.

Employees from both government and private sectors under home isolation will be granted a seven-day leave. Medical professionals from UPHCs and Namma clinics will visit those in home isolation and general ward Covid admissions. The aim is to conduct around 5,000 Covid tests daily.

Presently, there are no restrictions imposed on New Year celebrations or inter-state travel. However, senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions are mandated to wear masks. Parents are advised against sending their children with fever, cold, or cough to school until symptoms alleviate.

Sources indicate that Karnataka is set to receive 30,000 doses of Covid vaccines from the central government, to be distributed among taluk and district hospitals.