The Karnataka government has advised pregnant women, children and those having co-morbid conditions should wear face masks in crowded places and use hand sanitisers, as the active cases of Covid-19 rose to 35 in the state.

Releasing an advisory, the state health department said there has been a gradual increase in Covid-19 cases for 20 days, but the situation was under control and no deaths have been reported till now. The advisory came following an increase in Covid-19 cases across Southeast Asia.

Urging people to comply with Covid-appropriate behaviour at this time, the advisory asked pregnant women, children, immune-compromised persons and those having co-morbidities to wear face masks while visiting crowded places. Steps like maintaining hand hygiene and using hand sanitisers may also be followed, the advisory said.

Those presenting with symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), shall consider getting tested for Covid on priority, for timely treatment and to check the further spread of the virus, according to the advisory.

Earlier, a nine-month-old boy tested positive for Covid-19 in Bengaluru, according to health department officials. The infant, originally from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural district, was initially admitted to a private hospital before being shifted to Vani Vilas Hospital in Kalasipalya in the city.

Health department sources confirmed that the baby is under medical observation and responding to treatment.

Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, stated that the baby tested positive through a rapid antigen test on May 22. “The patient is stable and currently admitted to Vani Vilas Hospital in Kalasipalya, Bengaluru,” he said.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Kerala is witnessing a renewed rise in Covid-19 cases, with 273 infections reported across the state so far in May. In response to the uptick, Health Minister Veena George urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

The highest number was in Kottayam with 82 cases, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with 73, Ernakulam with 49, Pathanamthitta with 30 and Thrissur with 26.

(with inputs from PTI)

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