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Bengaluru, Mar 27: In a preparatory measure to tackle any exigency in the backdrop of spread of coronavirus, the Karnataka government has asked district administrations to use as quarantine centres the residential schools and hostels that come the under Social Welfare department.

"Wherever necessary, these residential schools and hostels can be converted as quarantine facility without any extra cost by the district administrations," Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol said in a statement.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka stood at 55, including two deaths and three discharged persons, as on Thursday.

Karjol, who is also the Minister in-charge of Social Welfare department said, in view of holidays for educational institutions, there were no students staying in the residential schools and hostels and hence they can be used for quarantine purpose.

All the residential schools at hostels in districts and taluks are spacious and have all required facilities like rooms, kitchen, toilets, bathrooms, libraries among others, the Minister said adding most of them were located away from densely populated areas.

Udupi, July 17: An Indian expatriate from coastal Karnataka who was working in Kuwait passed away in a hospital in the oil-rich country reportedly due to covid-19.

Sheikh Mohammed Syed (54) was a native of Kharvi in Kundapura taluk of Udupi district. He is survived by his mother, wife and three daughters. 

An ex athletic champion from Bhandarkars' Arts & Science College, he was a well-known Volleyball and Kabaddi player in Kundapur.  He was associated with many sports associations in Udupi. 

An employee of KRH firm, he was hospitalized in Kuwait three weeks ago due to ill health. He was tested positive for covid-19.

He breathed his last yesterday without responding to any treatment. Final rites were held in Kuwait. 

Prior to migrating to Kuwait, he had worked in United Arab Emirates for several years. A sports enthusiast, he had trained many athletes in Udupi.

Bengaluru, Jul 20: The Karnataka Congress on Monday slammed the State government's decision to distribute beds used by COVID-19 patients to Government-run hostels and called it as a "ridiculous" decision.

"It's ridiculous that the Govt plans to distribute beds used by COVID patients to Govt run hostels," read a tweet from the Karnataka Congress president DK Shivkumar.

He further said that the Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa should give these beds to his ministers, MLAs and officials.

He further went on to urge parents and students to speak "against this move" by the State government.

"Let CM @BSYBJP give these beds to his Ministers, MLAs & Officials! We are launching a movement against this Govt & appeal to parents, students & youths to speak against this move," Shivkumar's tweet read further.

Along with the tweet he also shared a video as well.

Karnataka reported 3,648 COVID-19 cases and 72 deaths on Monday, taking active cases to 42,216 and death toll to 1,403. Bengaluru recorded the highest number of cases and deaths today at 1,452 & 31, respectively, said the State Health Department.