ICUs: State gets Omicron ready

Don’t switch off phones: Minister to travellers

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: The state government will make sure that passengers from Africa who have arrived in Karnataka, are traced and subjected to Covid tests to ascertain if they are infected with the Omicron variant. This was stated by Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar.

Overseas travellers on their part must cooperate with the authorities by not switching off their mobile phones or keeping their cell in the ‘out of coverage’ mode, Dr Sudhakar added. Speaking to the media after attending a video conference with directors of medical colleges on a possible third wave, the Omicron virus and treatment on Friday, he said, “Rise to the occasion and provide effective treatment”.

Everyone, including the HOD, professors and senior doctors of medical colleges has been advised to provide effective treatment. The services of resident doctors and final year medical students may be utilised for the purpose.

It has also been decided to conduct a month-long training programme for 18,000 nurses and ramp up paediatric ICUs across the state. During the first and second wave, the state faced a shortage of nurses to treat patients in ICUs but that problem has been solved.

Paediatric ICUs ready

Dr.Sudhakar said officials have been instructed to keep pediatric ICUs ready. The finance department has responded to the demand of junior doctors and released Rs 55 crore towards Covid risk allowance. A total amount of Rs 73 crore would be credited to their bank accounts in a couple of days. “We are facing some technical glitches and the salaries will be directly credited to bank accounts”, he added.

As per the advice of the Covid Technical Advisory Committee, a special ICU and ward will be set up for Omicron patients. Those who are infected with Delta would be treated in a separate ward. The number of beds and ICUs to be reserved for them will be decided soon, he said.

9 students of Kodagu school test positive

Bengaluru: Nine students who are studying in 8th and 9th standards at a Kodagu school have tested positive for the virus. They may have contracted the virus while attending offline classes. Close on the heels of this incident, the health department subjected other students and school staff to the RT-PCR test. The school has been sealed.