Mandya: Expressing concern over the havoc caused by the second wave of COVID-19, Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji said that the second wave is more deadlier than the first one, when the pandemic broke out last year.

He was speaking after inaugurating the additional COVID Care Centre set up at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) at Bellur Cross in Nagamangala Taluk of Mandya district on Thursday.

Stressing on the need for people to get themselves checked immediately soon as they develop any symptoms, Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji said that there is no need for anyone to fear in case they test positive for the virus. Highlighting that maintaining the required oxygen saturation level in our body is vital, the Seer said that oxygen is needed only in times when saturation level begins to drop. 

Pointing out that Adichunchanagiri Hospital has 159 oxygenated beds out of which 140 have been occupied, he said that there are 40 patients who are on ventilator support. 

Emphasising on the need for asymptomatic  positive patients to undergo home isolation, the Seer said that those who cannot afford home isolation can come to COVID Care Centre. 

Highlighting the importance of getting  vaccinated, he asserted that there are no side-effects and everyone should get the jab without any fear.

Mandya District Minister K.C. Narayanagowda, in his address, said that there are more than 1,500 beds in Nagamangala taluk alone and the infected persons are getting good treatment. Lauding Adichunchanagiri Mutt for setting up a 150-oxygen bed facility, the Minister assured of regular oxygen supplies to the facility.

Asserting that  many natives of Nagamangala who had migrated to Bengaluru, have returned following the COVID crisis, he maintained that the situation was far better in Nagamangala taluk, when compared to Mandya, which is witnessing a consistent rise in positive cases. 

Stating that a 500-bed facility will be set up at PES College in Mandya in order to meet bed demand in the district, he reassured of necessary  oxygen supplies to the district. 

Nagamangala MLA Suresh Gowda said that the taluk is witnessing 180 to 200 positive cases a day, out of which only 10 percent are getting admitted to Hospitals. He asked the people not to neglect symptoms and instead go to the Hospital for a medical check up. The MLA also stressed on the need for people to take preventive and safety measures  and thus help in checking the spread of the virus.