In view of reporting newer sub-variants of Omicron BQ.1 (US variant)
BA.2.3.20 apart from XBB, which is a recombinant of BA.2.75 and BJ.1 in Maharashtra and in the context of the ensuing festival season of Deepavali & Kannada Rajyothsava the following advisory is issued to General public.
1. The symptomatics i.e., those with fever, cough, cold, sore throat, breathing difficulty shall compulsorily get tested immediately at the nearest hospital / health centres (preferably RAT, if negative then RT-PCR) and get self-isolated till the results are received.
2. Those with breathing difficulties must seek urgent medical care, preferably in a hospital.
3. Face masking - while indoors, in places with air-conditioning, not well ventilated areas,closed places, in crowds and in health facilities ( N-95 / medical masks). It is very important that elderly and Co-morbid wear face masks in public areas.
4. As far as possible observe festivities outdoors, and avoid crowding indoors.
5. Those who are due for booster/precautionary dose of vaccination would need to get vaccinated. It is important that those who are aged 60 years & above, and with co-morbidities (particularly not naturally infected previously) should get vaccinated early. Those who are immune-deficient and immunosuppressed, on-renal dialysis, taking anticancer drugs, etc. are advised to get vaccinated on priority basis in consultation with their treating doctor.
6. Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) like
coughing and sneezing into folded elbows, use of tissues / hand kerchief, not to blow nose and spit in public areas, hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with symptomatics, etc., should be followed.
8. The people are advised to use environmental friendly "green crackers "in the larger interest of Public Health & safety.
The concerned authorities in both BBMP & districts would have to ensure the compliance of the same.