Karnataka: COVID-19 Cases At SDM College Increase To 306

More people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the SDM College of Medical Sciences in Dharwad district of Karnataka. A few days ago, 66 students and staff tested positive for coronavirus and now the number of cases increased to 306. Two hostels on the premises have been sealed and the infected students are undergoing treatment in their hostel rooms.

On Saturday, Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said that SDM College of Medical Sciences had become a COVID-19 cluster. He further added that "I'm told there was a cultural fest and it spread there. We've tested all 1,788 students of the college, some results are awaited. One international school also had reported 34 cases and another 12 cases. None of these cases were severe."

He said that "We are not in a situation to impose curbs in the state. Marriages and other events are happening too."

Schools and colleges within a 500-metre radius of SDM College have been closed. According to the reports, no infection has been recorded outside and surrounding areas of the college campus. Officials said that everyone should take necessary precautions and urged the public to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai on Saturday conducted a meeting with the officials and instructed them to take necessary action so as to control the spread of coronavirus. On Saturday, Karnataka reported 402 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths. Karnataka has recorded 29,94,963 infections ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has started.