No Room for Complacency: Weekly Task Force Meetings, Helpline, and Mandatory Precautions Ordered as State Records Spike in Cases
Bengaluru, May 27: With fears of a fresh COVID-19 resurgence looming over Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting with Health and Education department ministers and senior officials, issuing a slew of urgent directives to tackle the evolving situation head-on.
The CM has asked officials to act with urgency and not repeat the chaos of previous waves. He ordered the immediate setup of a COVID helpline, mandatory weekly task force meetings, and school-level protocols to prevent infections among children.
“Make all preparations to control Corona. This time, there should not be a problem like last time.”
CM Siddaramaiah sternly directed health officials, as quoted from the closed-door briefing.
The state, which had sporadic COVID cases since January, has now witnessed a surge, with 62 new cases reported in just the fourth week of May. Neighbouring states such as Kerala (95 cases), Tamil Nadu (66), and Maharashtra (56) are already seeing a steady uptick.
Key Directives Issued by the Chief Minister:
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COVID Helpline to be launched immediately for public assistance.
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Children with cold, flu, or fever should not attend school. Schools must send such children home with parental involvement.
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Weekly COVID Task Force meetings to monitor and assess developments. In critical phases, review frequency should increase to once every three days.
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Ventilators, oxygen, and essential medications must be kept ready across district hospitals.
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Health staff must remain stationed and avoid leave to ensure uninterrupted service.
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Screening centres to be considered at airports for international arrivals.
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Elderly, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities are advised to wear masks and exercise caution in public spaces.
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The transfer of pregnant women between hospitals must be avoided. All medical facilities should be equipped to handle maternal emergencies.
“The public need not panic right now, but we must stay ahead of the curve by preparing for all possible scenarios.”
The CM reiterated, emphasising proactive governance over reactive crisis management.
The investigation of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases is already underway as part of preemptive measures, with district surveillance intensified.
No Negligence Will Be Tolerated:
CM Siddaramaiah’s message was clear — there will be zero tolerance for delay or laxity in preparedness. With health systems in neighboring states being tested, Karnataka aims to stay ahead by enforcing strict readiness, awareness drives, and community-level prevention strategies.
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