Mysore/Mysuru: Stating that following the surge in COVID-19 cases, Gram Panchayats in the district have been asked to hold meetings only to discuss drinking water issues and not any other matter, District Minister S.T. Somashekar said that the same also applies to all the four Assembly segments of the city.

He was speaking at the District-level official meeting at the Government Guest House here yesterday.

Pointing out that the bed capacity in Hospitals has been increased in anticipation of a higher number of COVID-19 positive cases in the district in the next 10 days, Somashekar said that he has received complete inputs on the availability of general beds, oxygenated beds and ventilator beds and as well as vaccines in Government and Private Hospitals. He further said that furnishing statistics on the availability of such beds on a daily basis will address the concerns of the people to a large extent.

Noting that though the current second wave of the deadly virus is spreading  faster than the first one, which broke out last year, the people seem to be reluctant to take the spread seriously, Somashekar directed the officials to take strict measures for ensuring that the number of people attending functions, marriages etc., do not cross the  stipulated number.

Assuring of all help from the Government, including supply of vaccines for effective tackling of the virus, he directed the district administration to publicise the measures taken by it to control the spread of the pandemic.

Stating that it has come to his notice that dramas/plays are being performed regularly at the District and Taluk levels, Somashekar instructed the officials to take action against those organising plays without permission. He also asked the officials to take stringent action against those failing to follow COVID appropriate behaviour.

MLA G.T. Devegowda, MP Pratap Simha, Mayor Rukmini Madegowda, DC Rohini Sindhuri, City Police Commissioner Dr. Chandragupta, SP C.B. Ryshyanth, MMC&RI Dean and Director Dr. C.P. Nanjaraj, District Surveillance Officer Dr. Shivaprasad, District Ayush Officer Dr. B.S. Seethalakshmi and other officials were present.