Latest news with #COVID-appropriate
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Fresh Covid-19 guidelines issued for schools as cases rise in Karnataka
BENGALURU: The state health department has issued new guidelines for schools reopening after the summer vacation, in light of the current COVID-19 situation. Parents have been advised not to send children to school if they show symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold. Children should return only after recovery. If a student displays symptoms while at school, parents must be informed immediately, and the child sent home. Schools have been instructed to maintain cleanliness and strictly follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. If any staff members exhibit symptoms, precautionary measures must be taken, according to the new guidelines issued by the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Shivakumar. Measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and adherence to COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) have also been strongly recommended.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Punjab to ramp up Covid testing across districts
Amid a fresh uptick in COVID-19 infections, health authorities in Punjab plan to ramp up testing across districts, following the detection of six new cases and one death over the past week. According to health officials, five cases were reported from Ludhiana and one from Mohali. Additionally, two more cases — one each from Mohali and Ferozepur — were not included in the state tally as the patients were residents of Haryana. A 39-year-old labourer from Ludhiana died of COVID-19 complications on Wednesday at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh. The patient, who had pre-existing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disease, was referred from ESIC Model Hospital in Ludhiana. Preventive measures in place Following the recent cases, health departments in several districts have heightened surveillance. In Patiala, authorities have ordered mandatory COVID testing for ICU patients with respiratory symptoms to curb in-hospital transmission. Hospitals have also been instructed to allocate dedicated beds for COVID patients. Experts predict rise in cases Health experts warn that Punjab could see a further rise in infections in the coming weeks, typically following trends in the National Capital Region. 'Based on past trends, Punjab usually experiences a COVID surge 2–3 weeks after Delhi, due to daily travel between the two regions,' said Dr Sumeet Singh, epidemiologist with the Punjab health department. He added that distinguishing COVID-19 from seasonal flu can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. 'Sore throat, hoarseness, throat irritation, and dry cough are more commonly associated with COVID, whereas sneezing, nasal congestion, and a runny nose typically point to allergies or the common cold,' he explained. Dr Rajesh Bhasker, Punjab's state nodal officer for the COVID programme, echoed similar concerns, saying that daily case numbers could rise steadily in the near future. 'Delhi is currently reporting 18–20 new cases daily, so it's likely that Punjab may start reporting 7–8 cases per day in the coming weeks,' Dr Bhasker said. Public advisory Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, practice COVID-appropriate behaviour, and get tested in case of persistent flu-like symptoms. Hospitals have been directed to strengthen infection control protocols to minimize the risk of in-hospital transmission.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
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.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Deaths touch four, Health Dept. issues advisory
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.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Death of man who tested positive for COVID-19 causes concern in Vizag
The death of a man, who tested positive for COVID-19, at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam has brought the focus back on the need to adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour, especially in crowded places. Padilam Kashinath, 64, hailing from the city, was admitted to a private hospital with complications of Parkinson's Disease, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, Pneumonia and COVID-19 on May 28. The death report mentioned that the patient was suffering from the four diseases. The cause of death was, however, mentioned as 'viral pneumonia respiratory failure'. Kashinath died while undergoing treatment on Thursday morning. The news spread rapidly, though the doctors and the officials concerned were initially tight-lipped about the case. They refused to admit that the victim had COVID-19 as it was not confirmed by the Virology Lab at the King George Hospital (KGH). They said that the patient had co-morbid conditions. Attempts to contact the District Medical & Health Officer failed as he could not be reached over the phone. The first case of COVID-19 positive case of the city was a woman, and it was confirmed a week ago. Subsequently, her relative and the doctor who treated her contracted COVID-19. However, all three have recovered.
