Mangaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a high alert in Mangaluru in the midst of the global coronavirus scare on Monday, February 3. The announcement comes days after the third case of coronavirus was confirmed in Kasargod, which is 52.6 km away from Mangaluru.
Most recently, a person in Hubballi is suspected to have a coronavirus infection as he developed a fever mere days after returning from Wuhan, the origin of the outbreak.
Although there are no direct flights plying from China to Mangaluru, a surveillance team is monitoring the city as several passengers have arrived from abroad. The district’s Department of Health and Family Welfare has also been alerted in this regard.
Speaking to DHNS, DHO Dr. Ramakrishna Rao informed that the airport officials have been instructed to immediately report anyone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms at the Mangalore International Airport.
Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh has also issued a similar statement, urging people to contact the Health Department if they are suspicious of coronavirus cases.
Since the KSRTC operates nearly 40 buses between Kasargod and Mangaluru daily, KSRTC Divisional Controller Arun said that they have been instructed to take precautions as well. He said, “At least 12,000 to 14,000 passengers commute daily between Mangaluru and Kasargod.”
In total, five districts, Mysuru, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Chamarajanagar and Hubballi-Dharwad have been put on high alert.
