With COVID-19 cases climbing from 65 to 80, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged older adults and people with existing health conditions to use face masks as a safety step. Speaking to the press after offering floral respects to late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at Vidhana Soudha on his death anniversary, he stressed the importance of caution.

Addressing the media, Siddaramaiah said contingency planning was discussed during a recent review meeting. “We must stay ready for any outcome. Ensuring uninterrupted access to ventilators, oxygen supply, and dedicated hospital beds is crucial,” he emphasized.

While he made it clear that masks are not compulsory for everyone, he strongly recommended them for vulnerable individuals. “Children showing signs of cold, fever, or cough must stay home. The elderly and those with chronic ailments should wear masks. Vaccine reserves must be built up as a preventive step,” he noted.

Though the central government has not directed airport screenings yet, the state plans to adopt basic precautionary measures.

Shifting focus to Nehru, Siddaramaiah described him as the visionary behind modern India. “Nehru strove to eliminate poverty, championed a balanced economic model, and laid the groundwork for agricultural reforms. His leadership saw the rise of public industries, mega dams, and premier educational institutions,” he said.

He concluded by saying that India’s current economic and agricultural success is deeply rooted in Nehru’s foresight and policies.