Covid-19: Containment zones could be redefined in Karnataka

BENGALURU: The state government may redefine containment areas from the present 100-metre radius from the epicentre to individual houses of patients.
The Covid-19 task force headed by health minister B Sriramulu is working out a plan based on latest guidelines by the ministry of health and family welfare. The ministry redefined containment areas as 'home isolation' prescribed for mild cases and only serious cases to be referred to Covid-19 designated hospitals.
With this, containment zones in red zone districts like Bengaluru Urban may be off the map. "There is no point in sealing or containing the entire street or neighbourhood if a case is reported. We need to isolate the patient at home and ensure normal life in surrounding areas," said Sriramulu.
"The idea is to narrow down the containment area. It should be restricted to the upper and lower floors, at least, if not only to a flat," said Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike commissioner B H Anil Kumar. Currently, there are 20 containment zones in BBMP limits. The plan may be discussed during the PM's video conference with CMs on Monday.
"The days of hiding from the virus under the guise of lockdown must end. We must start accepting mild covid cases like any other flu and move on," said chairman of the state government's advisory committee on Covid-19 data analysis, Dr MK Sudarshan "It is not a good idea. It may neutralise all the hard work so far," said revenue minister R Ashoka.