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Key Points

Uttarakhand has been placed on high alert after two new Covid-19 cases emerged from travelers originating in different states. The state's health department, led by Dr. Sunita Tamta, is implementing extensive testing and monitoring protocols to prevent potential spread. Both patients - a 57-year-old woman from Gujarat and a doctor from Bengaluru - have been identified and are receiving treatment. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and following Covid-appropriate behaviors to minimize transmission risks.

Key Points: Covid Alert in Uttarakhand Two Cases Spark State Vigilance

  • Two Covid cases detected in Uttarakhand from Gujarat and Bengaluru travelers
  • State health department implements aggressive testing protocols
  • Karnataka reports 35 Covid cases with 32 in Bengaluru
  • Health officials urge continued Covid-appropriate behavior
2 min read

Uttarakhand on high alert after two women test Covid positive

Two Covid cases including AIIMS doctor trigger high alert in Uttarakhand with state ramping up testing and monitoring protocols

"All Chief Medical Officers... should increase Covid testing and sampling - Dr. Sunita Tamta, Health Director"

Dehradun, May 24

Two women, including a doctor from AIIMS Rishikesh, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Uttarakhand, prompting the state health department to issue a high alert.

According to officials, both individuals recently travelled to Uttarakhand from other states.

Dr Sunita Tamta, Director General of Health, Uttarakhand, confirmed that a 57-year-old woman from Gujarat who had come to Rishikesh for religious purposes exhibited symptoms of coronavirus.

After testing, she was confirmed positive and is currently under treatment. The second patient is a doctor from Bengaluru who has also tested positive and is receiving treatment at home, said Tamta.

She added that, as of May 22, a total of 277 COVID-19 cases have been reported across India, primarily from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

While there are currently no active local cases in Uttarakhand, the state is intensifying preventive measures in line with central government guidelines.

"All Chief Medical Officers across the state have been instructed to increase Covid testing and sampling. If any new case is detected, genome sequencing should be conducted to identify the variant," Dr. Tamta stated.

She also emphasised that oxygen plants and hospital beds are being kept operational as a precaution.

Following the two positive cases, the health department is focusing on aggressive sampling and monitoring of incoming travellers from other states.

Meanwhile, Karnataka has also seen a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, especially in Bengaluru. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday confirmed that 35 cases have been reported in Karnataka this year, with 32 of them from Bengaluru.

"A gradual increase in Covid-19 spread has been observed in Bengaluru over the past 20 days, though the situation remains under control," he said.

Minister Rao urged citizens to proactively follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

"Pregnant women, children, immuno-compromised individuals, and those with comorbidities should wear face masks in crowded places," he advised.

He also encouraged the use of hand sanitisers and recommended testing for individuals showing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).

In another development, a nine-month-old infant tested positive for COVID-19 in Bengaluru on May 22 via a Rapid Antigen Test, officials confirmed.

Authorities across multiple states are on alert as the country witnesses a fresh wave of sporadic COVID-19 cases, and health departments are urging continued vigilance to prevent a broader outbreak.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is concerning but not surprising. With so much interstate travel happening, we need stricter testing at borders. Why aren't thermal scanners being used at railway stations and bus stands? Prevention is better than cure!
P
Priya M.
The doctor getting infected is worrying 😟 Our healthcare workers are frontline warriors. Hope the government provides them with proper PPE kits and booster doses. Stay safe everyone!
A
Amit S.
Religious tourism needs better regulation during health crises. Char Dham yatra season is starting - authorities must implement proper screening measures at pilgrimage sites. Jai Uttarakhand! 🙏
N
Neha T.
While the alert is necessary, let's not panic. We've handled worse during delta wave. Just maintain basic precautions - mask in crowds, sanitize hands. Our health infrastructure is much better prepared now.
V
Vikram J.
Respectfully, the government should be more transparent about which variants are circulating. People have right to know if it's JN.1 or something new. More info = better preparedness.

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