In a concerning escalation of COVID-19 infections, Karnataka has witnessed a staggering surge of over 225%, recording 78 fresh cases compared to the previous day’s 24 cases. Alongside this surge, the state reported one additional fatality, pushing the total death toll to 40,321.
Karnataka stands as the second-highest contributor to the country’s rising cases after Kerala. The state observed a positivity rate of 3.29%, significantly higher than the preceding day’s 1.06%. Data from the health department revealed that Bengaluru alone accounted for 68 of the newly reported cases.
The state’s active caseload has risen to 175, marking a substantial increase from the preceding day’s 105 cases. Bengaluru, among the most impacted, currently holds 156 active cases, as detailed in the health department’s bulletin. Among other districts, new cases surfaced in Dakshina Kannada (2), Bengaluru Rural (1), Chikkamagaluru (4), Mysuru (1), and Ramanagara (2). Notably, several districts reported no new cases during this period.
The health department conducted 2,366 tests, including 1,947 RT-PCR tests and 419 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). The cumulative COVID-19 tally in Karnataka has reached 40.89 lakhs, with a Case Fatality Rate of 1.28%. Out of the 175 active cases, 162 individuals are isolating at home, while 13 are hospitalized, including seven in general wards and six in ICUs, a slight decline from the previous day’s count of nine ICU patients.
The surge in infections has been attributed to the emergence of a new variant, JN.1. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized caution in crowded areas, urging the public to wear masks. However, Rao clarified that no immediate restrictions or mandatory mask-wearing would be imposed.
Rao announced the convening of the inaugural meeting of a four-member cabinet sub-committee for COVID-19 management on Christmas day in Bengaluru, aiming to strategize and address the burgeoning crisis.
The state braces itself as health authorities and officials intensify efforts to contain the spread, emphasizing public adherence to safety measures amid the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases following the emergence of the JN.1 variant.
Sources By Agencies
