Health infrastructure will be overburdened if COVID-19 cases surge continues: Karnataka health minister

Karnataka's health infrastructure will be over-burdened if COVID-19 cases in the state continue to surge, said state's health minister K Sudhakar on Sunday.

He added that the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Karnataka is likely to peak in the first week of May.

"Experts have opined that the second wave is likely to peak by May first week in the state and may slow down by the end of the month. We have to take measures accordingly," Sudhakar said while speaking to the media after a meeting with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

"If there is a surge in cases, our health infrastructure will be overburdened. Experts of TAC have suggested being vigilant at borders and thoroughly test incoming travelers from high-case load states. TAC will come up with a report. Further measures will be taken after discussion with the Chief Minister, Sudhakar added.

He further said that private hospitals have extended their support to the government.

"We were among the first in the country to start tele-ICU and private hospitals have also utilised it. We need to further strengthen this system. Suggestions that impact economic activities will not be considered," said the minister.

Speaking about COVID-19 vaccinations, Sudhakar said that 61 lakh doses of the vaccine have been administered in the state, out of which, 53 per cent are administered to women.

"Women have emerged as role models when it comes to participation in the vaccination drive. We must not let politics, religion, caste or language into this vaccination drive. Therefore we have administered vaccine to women belonging to different faiths today as a symbolic gesture," he said.

Karnataka reported 10,250 new COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 10,65,290, the state health department informed on Sunday.

There are now 69,225 active cases in that state. So far, 9,83,157 recovers and 12,889 deaths have been reported in the state.

Of the total new cases, over half of the new cases (7,584) were reported from capital Bengaluru.

( With inputs from ANI )