In the light of a spike in COVID-19 cases in China, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and the United States, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is thinking of making COVID-appropriate behaviour, including face masks, compulsory again in the city. Restarting screening of international passengers arriving in Bengaluru is also being mulled over.
Specific measures, however, are subject to the recommendations that emerged from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting that was held in Bengaluru late on Wednesday evening. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is also expected to hold a high-level meeting on the issue, based on TAC recommendations.
Special Commissioner (Health) K.V. Trilok Chandra said, “COVID-19 cases are increasing in various parts of the world. Hence, as a precaution, BBMP is planning to implement compulsory COVID-appropriate behaviour after taking suggestions from the TAC.”
The Union Health Ministry has directed States to send samples of all new COVID-19 cases for genomic sequencing. Mr. Trilok Chandra said, “The BBMP will send samples from Bengaluru as per directions.”
Meanwhile, Health and Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar said, “We will have to take certain precautionary measures in the wake of the global situation. The Kempegowda International Airport has a high inflow of international passengers. We will start screening passengers there. While we have achieved 100% coverage in two doses, precaution dose is yet to to be taken by a lot of people. All those who are yet to get their booster shots should voluntarily come forward and take it,” Dr. Sudhakar said.
Stating that the Centre is constantly monitoring the global situation, he said, “We will take all necessary precautions, and new guidelines will be released in this regard soon.”
