No cases of Coronavirus in Bhatkal Taluka so far, THO confirms but advises people to take precautions

(Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Ismail Zaorez) Bhatkal 3 February 2020: Karnataka Government on Monday issued ‘high alert’ against Coronavirus in four border Districts of the State – Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Kodagu and Chamrajnagar – as the neighboring State Kerala reported third positive case of Coronavirus in India. The third case was reported from Kasargod just a few kilometers away from District Headquarters of Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru. Although the state The state has so far sent 44 samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune for testing, out of which results of 29 samples came as negative, but the ‘high alert’ issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in four Districts has also resulted in worrisome situation for the residents of these Districts as well as the adjoining places. Dr. Muthyraj Bhat, Taluka Health Officer of Bhatkal on Tuesday afternoon, however, confirmed that no positive or suspected cases of Coronavirus were reported in the Taluka so far. He also added that the Taluka health administration was monitoring the situation closely. “The co-ordination committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner recently held a meeting in this regard wherein precautionary measures and steps were discussed during the meeting. This was followed by a meeting with Taluka health workers wherein we educated the staffs and created awareness among them” Dr. Bhat told Bhatkallys.com On being asked if the people in the Taluka should be worried about the ‘high alert’ issued by the State government in four Districts including Dakshina Kannada, Dr. Bhat added that there were no positive cases reported in the state but insisted that people should take precautionary measures to avoid the viral disease. “People can take general and small measures to stay away from this disease. This is a viral disease which spreads through coughing and sneezing. People should cover their faces with handkerchiefs or cloth when they sneeze or cough. They should wash their hands regularly and take nutritional food coupled with drinking a lot of water to keep the immune system healthy” “People should also maintain one-hand-distance or a one meter distance from others generally. This is also an important measure to keep yourself away from getting affected from the Coronavirus” Dr. Bhat added. (Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Ismail Zaorez)