KARNATAKA MULLS GREEN PASSES FOR THE FULLY VACCINATED

BENGALURU: With the rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, the Karnataka Government on Friday said it may soon issue green passes to identify fully vaccinated citizens. Speaking to the media after chairing a high-level meeting at Vidhanasoudha, state Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that the government is also planning to rope in 10,000 medical and nursing students for tele-triaging. He further said that the responsibilities have been allocated to officials and instructions have been given to ensure coordination between other departments.

“The State Government is ensuring preparedness in every aspect to mitigate the third wave. The experience of the past two waves will help us anticipate and plan accordingly,” he added.

“World Health Organisation (WHO) has said Omicron is the fastest-spreading variant. Although Omicron is not as severe as Delta, it cannot be termed mild. Those who are fully vaccinated with two doses may not get severely infected. So, everyone should get two doses,” he said. The Health Minister further said that more than 99 per cent of people of the state are vaccinated with the first dose while 80 per cent have received both doses.

“More than 29 crores are infected with covid across the world. From December 27 to January 2 the infection has increased by 79 per cent. About 109 countries have not vaccinated even 70 per cent. 36 countries have not even vaccinated 10 per cent. 80 per cent of the cases in ICU are not vaccinated. WHO has requested India to export vaccines to other countries. No country is safe until every country is safe,” he added.