Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department has issued an alert after active Covid-19 cases in the state surpassed 300. With schools across the state reopening after summer holidays, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

As of Monday, the number of active Covid-19 cases reached 311, with 87 new infections confirmed in the last 24 hours. The state tested 504 individuals during this period, resulting in a test positivity rate of 17.2%. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, with the case fatality rate standing at zero.

Of the total active cases, 297 patients are currently under home quarantine, while 14 have been hospitalised, including three who are in intensive care units in both government and private hospitals.

Rising respiratory infections

In addition to the rise in Covid-19 cases, health officials have expressed concern over a growing number of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) and influenza cases.

Since January, the state has recorded 4,536 cases, with 154 reported just in the past week. Authorities have noted a sharp upward trend and are conducting Covid-19 tests for patients presenting with SARI and influenza symptoms.

Doctors have urged the public not to ignore symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, breathing difficulties, and sore throat, as these may indicate Covid-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

Bengaluru remains the primary hotspot, with the majority of active Covid-19 cases concentrated in the city.

Preventative healthcare scheme

Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the expansion of the Gruha Arogya Yojana (Home Health Scheme) across the state. The initiative, originally launched in Kolar district, aims to screen for 14 non-communicable diseases and deliver necessary medication directly to patients’ homes.

The scheme will focus on individuals aged over 30 in every household. The Minister highlighted the importance of proactive prevention, stating that while the private healthcare sector is largely treatment-oriented, it is the government's responsibility to prioritise disease prevention.

Minister Rao affirmed that the State Health Department is committed to expanding the scheme to safeguard public health and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases across Karnataka.