Karnataka announced sealing its borders today in 9 districts as the whole state government met for a 6 am meeting on 22nd March 2020. The emergency meeting was also attended by the special task force which was made by Karnataka to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak. CM BS Yediyurappa also announced that Victoria Hospital which is a 1700 bed establishment will now be exclusively handling COVID cases.
Existing patients from Victoria Hospital will be taken to other hospitals. Dr. Devi Shetty, the renowned cardiologist and founder of Narayana Health was also present in the meeting along with Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Ashwathanarayana, Home Minister Basavaraja Bommai and Medical Education Minister Dr. Sudhakar.
The CM also announced that state borders would be closed and air passengers will also be screened thoroughly so that the spread curve of the outbreak could be curbed as much as possible.
SSLC exams and local elections in the state have also been postponed until further notice. The government also got permission to test COVID-19 in more public and private hospitals with NIV and ICMR’s blessings.
BS Yediyurappa also announced that he would lead the 24/7 war room that will be opened at the Balabrooie Guest House in Bengaluru.
