The Karnataka Task Force for COVID management headed by Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol made a series of announcements yesterday to prepare the State for any second wave of the COVID pandemic outbreak. Giving details of the announcements, the state Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar informed media persons that a sum of Rs 37.72 crore was approved to install Oxygen generating plants in 10 districts and 30 Taluk Government hospitals.

It was reported that the Task Force on COVID has approved a sum of Rs 11.32 crore to purchase over 10 lakh RT PCR testing kits and 10 lakh Rapid Antigen testing kits to be used in the next 90 days. Another Rs 22.50 lakh is approved to purchase essential medicines to treat COVID patients.

The Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar interacted with 10 districts through video conference yesterday to know about the COVID management protocols being followed there. The minister informed media persons that he has directed these districts to buck up in conducting COVID tests in larger numbers.

He has also asked these districts to restrict public gatherings till January second week, including for the New Year eve celebrations. He has also informed that a new mobile app is developed to monitor vaccine storage and distribution.