Bengaluru: Amid an uptick in Coronavirus infections across Karnataka, following the emergence of a new subvariant JN.1 (COVID JN.1 scare), Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Madhu Bangarappa clarified that there are no plans to impose any kind of restriction in schools. However, the Private School Association has made wearing masks mandatory within school premises. 

Speaking to Republic Kannada, Bangarappa said, “Currently, there are no plans to introduce additional measures in schools. However, the Private School Association has imposed a mandatory mask-wearing policy within schools. In the event of symptoms or confirmed cases, further actions will be considered. Discussions are underway to establish guidelines for individuals, including teachers and students, who have recently travelled. The focus is on implementing precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the school community.”  

COVID JN.1 Scare: Karnataka govt's high-level meeting 

Earlier in the day, the Karnataka government held a meeting to take a stock of the COVID situation in the state. After chairing a meeting with Ministers, officials and experts, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appealed to people not to panic, but to be cautious and take precautionary measures like wearing face masks. 

For the unversed, Karnataka has reported two COVID-19-related deaths in the past 24 hours. Both of the deceased were male, aged 44 and 76, while one of them had shown no symptoms, while the other was suffering from difficulty in breathing.  

What Happened in The Meeting? 

The Karnataka government has decided to constitute a cabinet sub-committee for proper coordination with experts to take necessary decisions aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, including precautions to be taken, and treatment provided.  

"A cabinet sub-committee will be constituted. Who will head it and who will be its members will be decided at the cabinet meeting. The cabinet sub-committee will meet frequently, and will also meet the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC consisting of experts). There must be proper coordination between the cabinet sub-committee and the TAC," Siddaramaiah told reporters.

"Whatever is the advice given by the TAC, should be implemented in toto," he said.  

No Plan to Make RT-PCR Testing Mandatory in India 

There is no plan so far to make RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 mandatory at airports for travellers, Union health ministry sources said today. Even though the number of cases is rising and the JN.1 sub-variant has been detected in the country, there is no cause of immediate concern as 92 per cent of those infected are opting for home-based treatment, indicating mild illness, they said.

There is also no increase in hospitalisation rates and COVID-19 is an incidental finding in people hospitalised due to other medical conditions.