Covid-19 Karnataka: The number of active cases has surged by four-fold in just 1 month

From 0.6% of the total caseload in February-end, active Covid-19 cases in Karnataka stood at 2.4% on March 29, triggering concerns about the health infrastructure coming under strain whether the rise continues. On Tuesday, this figure was 2.6%, as the state reported 2,975 fresh infections, 1,984 of these were in Bengaluru.

The death toll is also becoming a source of concern, with the state announcing 21 deaths, surpassing the 20-mark for the first time in more than four months. According to public health experts, the second wave is on track to follow the first, and hospital beds must be expanded to ensure prompt care, fewer deaths, and less strain on health facilities.

In contrast to the state average, four districts have a higher proportion of active cases: Bengaluru Urban (3.8%), Bidar (8.5%), Kalaburagi (4.4%), and Udupi (4.4%).

The government, on the other hand, has sent mixed messages about the upcoming festival seasons. On Tuesday, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Dr. KV Rajendra issued prohibitory orders to prevent congregations under Section 144(3) of the CrPC, which was overruled by district minister Kota Shrinivas Poojari shortly after.

According to the minister, festivals could be celebrated in open spaces with crowds of up to 500 people. He added that Yakshagana, Kola, Nema, and other religious functions that have already been arranged will take place.

Meanwhile, only 3,806 people were vaccinated across the state during the day. Among them were 2,457 seniors above 60 years of age, 1,123 comorbid in the 45-59 age group, 106 healthcare workers, and 120 frontline workers. Since the vaccination drive began on January 16, a total of 33,83,872 beneficiaries have received the vaccine.