Karnataka COVID-19 Cases: With Rising Cases, CM Siddaramaiah Launches Helpline, Urges Public Caution

CM Siddaramaiah On The Surge Of Rising Cases

Daily report of Covid 19 as on 26-05-2025
ಕೋವಿಡ್‌ 19 - ದಿನದ ವರದಿ@CMofKarnataka @KarnatakaVarthe pic.twitter.com/Ff9AvaIIOC

— Karnataka Health Department (@DHFWKA) May 26, 2025

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a high-level review meeting with health and medical education officials to assess the situation and ensure the state’s preparedness. He has ordered the launch of a dedicated Covid helpline for public support and directed health personnel to remain on duty during this critical period. “If the situation escalates, screening units must be reintroduced at airports to monitor arriving passengers,” the CM said in a statement. He also instructed officials to ensure adequate stocks of ventilators, oxygen, medicines, and hospital beds across all district hospitals.

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New Variants and WHO Advisory

The recent surge is linked to the spread of Omicron sub-lineages such as JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8, which are considered more transmissible but not necessarily more severe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorised these as variants under monitoring, not variants of concern, and noted similar trends across Asia. The WHO’s latest report emphasises the importance of continued vigilance, especially for high-risk groups, but reassures that there is no evidence of increased hospitalisation or mortality with these new sub-variants.

Karnataka Strengthens Covid-19 Preparedness Measures

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed officials to ensure hospitals have enough beds, oxygen ventilators, and testing kits. Some of the other measures are mentioned below. 

• Regular updates and information will be shared with the public through social media.
• Covid screening units may be started at airports if the situation demands.
• Vaccines are being kept ready as a precaution, considering the mutated coronavirus strain.
• Health department staff have been instructed not to take leave and to be available at health centres at all times.
• COVID guidelines have already been issued, and people are urged to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.
• Officials are in constant contact with the central government and are closely monitoring the situation.
• Parents are advised not to send children with fever or cold to school; schools should grant leave to such children.
• Separate guidelines for schools will be issued soon to prevent the spread among children.
• 5,000 RT-PCR testing kits and 5,000 rapid antigen test (RAT) kits have been distributed to hospitals across the state.
• Mandatory testing is being done for those with respiratory and heart diseases at VRDL testing centres.
• Hospitals are instructed to test all patients with symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), and cardiac issues.
• Remdesivir injections have been stocked as a precautionary measure.
• The current Omicron JN1 strain is causing only mild symptoms, but people are advised to remain cautious.
• Elderly people, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung problems are advised to wear masks in public as a precaution.
• A technical committee meeting will be held every week to provide necessary directions and updates.
• Pregnant women with COVID-19 symptoms should not be transferred from one hospital to another

Government Measures and Testing

To contain the spread, the Karnataka Health Department has increased daily RT-PCR testing, especially for individuals with respiratory symptoms and those in high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals. Covid testing is now mandatory for all Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. Major hospitals in Bengaluru, including NIMHANS and BMCRI, have been designated as COVID-19 testing centres.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged citizens not to panic, highlighting that most cases are mild and recover at home. He emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene, using hand sanitisers, and wearing masks in crowded areas, particularly for vulnerable groups. “Normal life can continue without restrictions, but caution is advised,” he said.

What Can People Do to Stay Safe?

Don't be scared of COVID-19. Take precautions and stay safe#COVID19 #Covid pic.twitter.com/0QTcmjAr9O — Karnataka Health Department (@DHFWKA) May 26, 2025

• Practice regular hand hygiene and use hand sanitisers.
• Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, especially if you are elderly, pregnant, or have underlying health conditions.
• Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Get tested promptly if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
• Follow government advisories and updates from health authorities.

Regional and National Context

Karnataka’s rise in cases mirrors trends in neighbouring states, with Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra also reporting increases. On a national level, active COVID-19 cases have reached 1,009, up from 257 a week ago, according to the Union Health Ministry. The central government, along with ICMR, continues to closely monitor the situation.

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Conclusion

While Karnataka’s COVID-19 numbers are rising, the state government is taking proactive measures to contain the spread and ensure public safety. With most cases being mild and recoverable at home, officials urge the public to stay calm, follow safety protocols, and seek timely medical attention if needed. Continued vigilance, responsible behaviour, and community cooperation remain key to managing the situation effectively.