Covid Cases to decline in Bengaluru, other districts will continue to witness the rise

Bengaluru: Projections made by the experts suggest that Bengaluru, which is a major hotspot in the country, will witness a decline in Covid-19 infections. The experts say that the capital will see a decline of 10% to 20% of fresh cases by May 8.

Dr MK Sudarshan, chairman of the state Covid technical advisory committee (TAC) said that the statewide lockdown has given them a ray of hope but its impact is only partial due to relaxation given in some sectors such as construction and manufacturing industries.

Infections will continue to rise in some other districts of the state because of mass departure from the city due to lockdown. Keeping it in view, the TAC has estimated that the second wave will only recede by the end of June in Karnataka.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has been informed about these projections and he will take this into account while forming strategies after May 12 when the present two-week curfew ends. However, experts and officials from the health department are of the view that the lockdown should be extended for another fortnight. Yediyurappa will take a call on this by May 10.

Dr Sudarshan said, “The situation is expected to be much better by Saturday, especially in Bengaluru, which is a Covid hotspot. Continuation of certain restrictions will be necessary in order to catalyse the decline of infections. The situation may be reviewed on May 10 when further steps will be decided.”

Apart from informing the government about these projections, TAC has shared its views with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and has suggested various steps to control the spread.

Gaurav Gupta, BBMP chief commissioner said, “We have received reports which say cases will fall by this weekend provided people cooperate by strictly following protocol.”

Yediyurappa, on Sunday took note of the situation and will hold a high-level meeting on Monday.

According to the officials, present logistical arrangements are focused on increasing oxygen supply and improving vaccine availability.

P Ravikumar, the chief secretary said that the state will receive a consignment of 30 tonnes of oxygen from Odisha on Monday and tankers will be airlifted for the same.

He also said that the state has received 1.6 lakh doses of Remdesivir and supply will continue in the upcoming weeks. He added that 5 lakh doses of Covid vaccines are likely to arrive by Monday.

While this consignment is meant to vaccinate those above 45 years of age, he said that those between 18 and 44 years will be vaccinated with stock received on Saturday.