Karnataka govt mulls ban on cow slaughter, beef consumption

Bengaluru, Apr 19: As many as 25 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the State till now, said Karnataka's Health Department.

"25 new COVID-19 cases reported in the State from 5 pm Friday to 5 pm on Saturday. The total number of positive cases in the State is 384 including 14 deaths and 104 discharges," added the Health Department.

The Health Department has appealed to the doctors, who are willing to volunteer in the fight against coronavirus, to reach out to the government.

A total of 14,378 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the country so far, with 480 deaths being reported due to the virus.

Mangaluru, May 3: Dakshina Kannada in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary today announced that there will be partial lockdown relaxations in the district from tomorrow (May 4) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The district falls under orange zone as per the classification done by the union government to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Mr Poojary said that shops can remain open for 12 hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). However, this relaxation will not apply for malls, restaurants, beauty parlors, saloons and dental clinics. 

Even though bars can remain open, they can only sell liquor. People will not be allowed to consume anything inside the bar. 

In auto-rickshaws only one passenger will be allowed to travel apart from driver and in car two passengers will be allowed apart from driver. 

The relaxations come with strict protocols, which the people need to follow, he said, adding that the relief had been provided to make life easier and not for people to come out unnecessarily.

Bengaluru, Apr 24: Karnataka is likely to start Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19 patients, who are critical, from tomorrow, Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said here on on Friday. "We have already got approval for Convalescent Plasma Therapy.

There is no need for any special permission for it....when I was in BMC (Bangalore Medical College) I spoke to We may probably start it for the first patient from tomorrow itself. The donor has also agreed," Sudhakar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the convalescent Plasma Therapy was only for patients who are critical, in Intensive Care Units or on ventilator. According to the latest update, five COVID-19 patients are in ICUs in the state.

After attending video conferencing by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan with health and medical education Ministers of all states, Sudhakar said the Minister lauded the good practices adopted by Karnataka in its fight against COVID-19 and asked to share the same with other states.

Responding to a question, he made it clear that COVID-19 is something that was not going to end by May 3 or by May end and like other viruses, would continue to exist. Sudhakar, who is leading the government's efforts against COVID-19 in Bengaluru and is in charge of the state war room, said many people are treating corona as a social stigma, which was not right.

There was no reason to get frightened about it as the infection can be cured, he said. "We have to take precautions so that it doesn't spread further....like fever, cold and cough- corona also can be cured... 97% people it can be cured, those with comorbidity and those above 60 years have to take some precautions. We have to bring in certain changes in our lifestyle and maintain social distancing," he added.