Is Uttarakhand Prepared After Two Women Test Positive for Covid?

Synopsis
In light of two recent Covid-19 cases involving a doctor and a traveler, Uttarakhand's health department has heightened alertness. With ongoing monitoring and testing, the state aims to curb any potential outbreak. Discover how officials are responding to this challenge and the measures being implemented to ensure public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Uttarakhand has heightened alert due to two confirmed Covid-19 cases.
- Officials are increasing testing and monitoring of travelers.
- There are currently no active local cases in Uttarakhand.
- Precautionary measures are being taken to prepare for potential outbreaks.
- Karnataka is also experiencing a rise in Covid-19 cases.
Dehradun, May 24 (NationPress) In a concerning development, two women, one being a doctor from AIIMS Rishikesh, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Uttarakhand. This situation has led the state health department to issue a high alert.
Officials report that both women had recently traveled from other states to Uttarakhand.
Dr. Sunita Tamta, the Director General of Health in Uttarakhand, verified that a 57-year-old woman from Gujarat, who visited Rishikesh for religious reasons, displayed symptoms of the virus.
After undergoing testing, she was confirmed as positive and is currently receiving treatment. The second confirmed case is a doctor from Bengaluru, who is also under home care, according to Tamta.
As of May 22, a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been documented across India, predominantly from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
Despite the absence of active local cases in Uttarakhand, the state is ramping up precautionary measures following central government protocols.
"All Chief Medical Officers statewide have been directed to enhance Covid testing and sampling. Should any new cases arise, genome sequencing will be conducted to identify the variant," Dr. Tamta stated.
She further highlighted that oxygen plants and hospital beds are being maintained in readiness as a precaution.
In light of the two positive cases, the health department is prioritizing aggressive sampling and close monitoring of travelers arriving from other states.
In another note, Karnataka has also experienced a minor increase in COVID-19 cases, particularly in Bengaluru. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed on Friday that 35 cases have been recorded in Karnataka this year, with 32 traced back to Bengaluru.
Minister Rao mentioned, "A gradual rise in the spread of Covid-19 has been observed in Bengaluru over the last 20 days, though the situation remains manageable."
He urged the public to adhere to Covid-appropriate behavior.
"Individuals such as pregnant women, children, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with comorbidities should wear masks in crowded areas," he advised.
He also promoted the use of hand sanitizers and recommended testing for anyone exhibiting symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).
In a related development, a nine-month-old infant tested positive for COVID-19 in Bengaluru on May 22 via a Rapid Antigen Test, officials confirmed.
Authorities across multiple states are ramping up vigilance as the nation experiences a new wave of sporadic COVID-19 cases, with health departments urging ongoing alertness to avert a larger outbreak.