Mangaluru: In response to the current Covid situation, State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured that there are no additional restrictions or guidelines for upcoming events like Christmas and New Year celebrations. All necessary precautionary measures are in place, with the minister stating that the situation is under control.

Decisions on vaccination will be guided by the Technical Committee's recommendations, though the Chief Minister is ready for any scenario, considering Covid to be less dangerous. The state has set a testing target of 5000, with specific goals for border districts. While mask-wearing in crowded areas is advised, it is not mandatory.

The Cabinet sub-committee will convene soon to make further decisions based on information from the Center and other states. PPE kits are being supplied to government hospitals, and any delays are being addressed. No cases of the JN.1 sub-strain of Covid have been confirmed in the state at present.

The district boasts 12,908 beds across government and private hospitals, with a comprehensive briefing on available health facilities. Minister Gundu Rao directed officials to stay vigilant in all taluks and health centers, emphasizing accurate reporting in Covid-related deaths. He suggested mandatory mask-wearing for health personnel and advised neighboring colleges to conduct Covid symptom screenings.

In the district, there are currently three active Covid cases, and check posts have been set up on the Kerala border for monitoring and awareness. A 40-year-old migrant worker, who recently tested positive for Covid-19, passed away in the ICU of Wenlock due to breathing problems; however, it is yet to be confirmed whether his death was caused by Covid.

DC Mullai Mugilan, Mangalore Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal and other officials were present.