COVID Resurfaces in Bengaluru: 32 Cases Confirmed, 1 Death Reported – Health Minister Urges Caution, Not Panic

News Flash

24 May

Spike in COVID-19 Cases in Karnataka Sparks Concern – Pregnant Women Advised to Wear Masks; Public Urged to Stay Calm but Cautious

Bengaluru:  Amid rising health concerns, the spectre of COVID-19 has once again cast its shadow over Karnataka, with 32 fresh cases reported in Bengaluru alone, and one death confirmed due to the virus in the city. In total, 38 new COVID cases have emerged across the state in the past week, according to a statement made by Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday.

The sudden uptick in numbers has triggered an immediate response from the State COVID Technical Advisory Committee, which convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation. The minister clarified that while the virus has made a mild return, the state is fully equipped and there is “no reason to panic.”

"People need not worry about the arrival of COVID. Necessary guidelines have been issued by the Health Department."
said Dinesh Gundu Rao, aiming to dispel fear among citizens.

Despite the spike, authorities have reassured the public that the majority of cases have mild symptoms and no serious complications have been reported. Karnataka is actively coordinating with the central government, and precautionary measures have been rolled out statewide.

"Those with respiratory issues or SARI symptoms will undergo mandatory COVID testing. Samples are already being collected from hospitals, particularly where patients with respiratory and cardiac conditions are admitted,"
stated the minister.

Precautions, Not Panic: Pregnant Women Advised to Wear Masks in Crowded Places

Health authorities have not made masks mandatory for the general public—however, special advisory has been issued for pregnant and breastfeeding women to wear masks in crowded areas.

"There’s no obstacle to public travel. Life can go on as usual. But cleanliness and sanitizers must be used. It’s about being responsible,"
the Health Minister emphasised.

The minister also urged the media not to spread fear, but instead to play a proactive role in creating awareness:

"Let the media create awareness, not panic. That’s what people need now,"
Dinesh Gundu Rao asserted.

Authorities have advised all hospitals to keep COVID testing kits ready for at least a month, though tests will be conducted only when medically necessary.

With 32 active cases in Bengaluru and 38 statewide, Karnataka remains on high alert, but not in emergency mode. The Health Department will continue monitoring the situation closely and update the public accordingly