As COVID-19 deaths in Karnataka touch four, Health Department issues advisory on surveillance, safety
With COVID-19 deaths in Karnataka rising to four, the State Health Department on Saturday issued an advisory on surveillance and safety for the general public and school children. With 58 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of active cases reached 238 on Saturday.
A 63-year-old fully vaccinated male from Bengaluru Urban, who was on postoperative chemotherapy and had pulmonary Tuberculosis with squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa, a type of oral cancer that develops on the lining of the inner cheek, was admitted to a private hospital on May 21. He died on May 29 of complications arising out of his comorbid conditions and 'tested positive for COVID incidentally.' This is the fourth death in Karnataka this year.
The other three deaths were also of male patients. An 84-year-old in Bengaluru, a 70-year-old in Belagavi, and a 63-year-old in Mysuru, who also had several comorbid conditions and developed COVID, succumbed to the disease on May 17, 26, and 25 respectively.
Advisory
Intensifying surveillance for early detection and prevention of transmission, the department has advised citizens to not panic but stay vigilant.
While advising parents not to send their children to school if they have fever, cough, cold, and other symptoms, the State Health Commissioner K.B. Sivakumar has advised people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and take treatment.
Helpline number
Calling upon people to dial toll-free helpline number 1800 425 8330 for health advice, and 108 for emergency patient transport, the commissioner has said it is advisable to wear masks in crowded places, maintain physical distance and practice good hygiene.
'Seek medical advice immediately if experiencing fever, cough, chest pain, or breathing difficulty, and cooperate with random testing. Stay alert, not anxious,' the advisory added.
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