Today Belagavi city saw its 8th case with a pregnant woman P 974 aged 27 had returned to Belagavi a week ago from Dharavi Mumbai as per sources. The total tally of Positives for COVID-19 is now 108. 

She was given Home Quarantine as she was 7 months pregnant and also it was verified that she can be home quarantined at home.

All the primary and secondary contacts are been traced now. Her swab test was taken on May 11 and she tested Positive today.

Now the number of Positives in the district has risen to 108 and also 8 from Bagalkote district are undergoing treatment here in Belagavi hospital.

Now the health department has geared itself and now are trying to trace all the primary and secondary contacts from the area and also if anyone from other areas had come and met her.

The Woman is stable and is being treated at the Civil Hospital Belagavi.
The administration is also gearing to earmark the 100 meters radius as the containment zone as per the new state guidelines.

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Deputy Commissioner Dr. S B Bommnhalli in a release stated, it is illegal and a criminal case would be filed against all those who enter the State from Karnataka from any other state without a valid Epass issued by the State Govt.

It has come to the notice that a few persons have entered the state from other neighboring states without a valid Epass issued under the Seva Sindhu helpline for Inter State Travel.

This type of entry into the state is illegal and strict action will be taken against them.

Anyone who enters the Belgagavi district from other neighboring states, including Maharashtra, without voluntary e-pass, should voluntarily inform the health department and get examined, and also the local police station should be informed.

A criminal case will be filed if the intruder does not voluntarily come forward and inform the administration.

District officials have requested the public to be informed of any such illegal arrivals from other states to the Control Room 0831-2407290 or the nearest police station.

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The Hindu in its detailed report says,

The 27-year-old pregnant woman who was tested COVID-19 positive today had come to the border at Kugnoli check post on May 3. The Driver is said to be from Dharavi, Mumbai. 

There she waited for a few hours at the border check post as the officials were indecisive to allow her entry into the state as her documents were not in the proper format.

The lady and her brother pleaded with senior officials who admitted her after mandating a two-week home quarantine.

She was shifted to the Civil Hospital Belagavi on Wednesday said the health department.

The Hindu in it reports further makes a mention which would be a cause of worry to all.

The article says,
“However, we have information that she has violated her quarantine conditions. She was seen going for morning walks along with her father in a residential area in the heart of the city. It is likely that she, her brother, father, and other family members have met several persons in the last week,” an officer, who is a member of the district COVID management committee, said.

“She traveled with her brother and a driver from Mumbai without proper documents. We are considering legal action against the violators,” Deputy Commissioner S.B. Bommanahalli said.

On the basis of this case, only DC has issued this release
https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/criminal-case-to-be-filed-if-anyone-enters-state-without-epass-dc-belagavi/

The Sadashiv Nagar area around her residence will be made into a containment zone now. The officials are now tracing the primary and secondary contacts.

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A case has been registered against three persons who entered the Belagavi district from Maharashtra violating of the law and without obtaining an e-pass as per the lock-down guidelines said Dr. SB Bommanahalli DC Belagavi.

This is with regards to the 27-year-old infected woman (P-974), her husband, brother, and the driver has been booked at the Belagavi APMC police station on Thursday (May 14).

The woman had been brought to Belagavi from Maharashtra by her husband. Not only did they enter the district illegally without obtaining an e-pass, but they did not inform the officials of the health department.

Therefore, a complaint is lodged against the husband, brother, and driver of a COVID Positive woman under Section 269, 270, 188. 201, 202, r / w 34, and Section 3 of the Natural Disaster Management Act.

The infected woman has already been hospitalized and ten people who have come into contact with her have been placed in quarantine.

District officials have requested that the public be informed of any illegal arrivals from other states to the Control Room 0831-2407290 or the nearest police station at the District Office.

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Today as many as 13 Patients were discharged from the Civil hospital today as their swab tests tested negative in the second test as well.

As per the local bulletin issued 108 positive cases are there with 54 discharges and 61 active cases in hand. 1 patient has been readmitted hence the total discharges mentioned areas 54. 

The result of 100 samples is awaited and 6811 tests have been conducted.

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The department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka has issued the following advisory for performing marriages/events:

1. Necessary prior permission for the event, travel passes shall be obtained from local authorities.

2. The Marriage event shall allow a maximum number of guests of not more than 50.

3. The event shall be conducted in a suitable public place with good natural ventilation (No Air condition).

4. A person from a containment zone shall not be allowed to attend the event.

5. Persons more than 65 years of age, pregnant women and children below 10 years are not permitted to attend the event.

6. Sanitizers at the entry and at appropriate places shall be provided.

7. Thermal screening of all persons shall be conducted at the entry of the venue. The scanner should be held 3-15 centimeters away from the person’s forehead.

8. Anyone found having a fever (37.50 C or 99.50 F), cold, cough, difficulty in breathing shall not be permitted to attend the event and immediately referred to seek medical advice.

9. All persons shall wear face masks compulsorily.

10. All persons shall maintain a physical distance of more than 1 meter.

11. Hand washes with soap and water in washrooms shall be provided.

12. Consumption of liquor, paan, gutkha, tobacco, etc is not allowed.

13. The venue shall be maintained clean and hygienic.

14. Spitting in public places is prohibited.

15. A Nodal Person shall be identified for overseeing the arrangements and coordination at the venue.

16. A list of attendees of the marriage with contact details has to be maintained.

17. All guests should have downloaded the Arogya Setu app from google play store.

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May 17 Midday Update:

No New Positive cases reported. 108 Total Positives, 8 Positive from Bagalkote, 56 Discharges, 1 death, and 1 readmission.

Active cases 59 as per the Health Dept.

The last case recorded on 14-05-2020 that of the woman from Sadashiv Nagar.

The woman and her family allegedly obtained help from a local politician to evade authorities and enter the city.

Efforts are on to trace her movements until May 11, when she was quarantined. So far, officials have quarantined at least 45 people including members of her family and her neighbours, reports the New Indian Express.

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On Sunday as many 9 persons were discharged from the Civil Hospital as their second test results were also negative.

This also includes the patient 298 who was readmitted after he had tested positive from Kudachi.

The 25-year woman from Azad Galli is also discharged today.
Total Discharges are now 65

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Lockdown shall continue to remain in force upto 31″ May, 2020.

According to the MHA guidelines, barbershops, salons, shopping complexes and markets can now open starting Monday. However, cinema halls, domestic flights, schools/colleges and dine in hotels will continue to remain shut throughout the country.

The government has also allowed inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with mutual consent of states.

Night curfew: The movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 7.00 pm to 7.00 am, except for essential activities.

The following activities shall continue to remain prohibited throughout the country:

All domestic and international air travel of passengers, except for domestic medical services, domestic air ambulance and for security purposes or purposes as permitted by MHA.
Metro rail services.
Schools, colleges, educational/ training/ coaching institutions etc. will remain closed. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services, except those meant for housing health/ police/ Government officials/ healthcare workers/ stranded persons including tourists and for quarantine facilities; and running of canteens at bus depots, railway stations, and airports.
Restaurants shall be permitted to operate kitchens for home delivery of food items.

All cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open; however, spectators will not be allowed.

All social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions/ other gatherings and large congregations.
All religious places/ places of worship shall be closed for the public. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited.

Night curfew

The movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 7.00 pm to 7.00 am, except for essential activities. Local authorities shall issue orders, in the entire area of their jurisdiction, under appropriate provisions of law, such as prohibitory orders [Curfew] under Section 144 of CrPC, and ensure strict compliance.

The following activities shall be permitted with restrictions, except in the Containment Zones:

Inter-State movement of passenger vehicles and buses, with mutual consent of the State(s)/ UT(s) involved.
Intra-State movement of passenger vehicles and buses, as decided by the States and UTs. 

National Directives for COVID 19 Management, as specified in Annexure II, shall be followed throughout the country.

All other activities will be permitted, except those which are specifically prohibited.

However, in Containment Zones, only essential activities shall be allowed, as mentioned in para 5(iii) above.

Further, States/ UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain other activities in the various zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.

Within the Red and Orange Zones, Containment Zones and Buffer Zones will be demarcated by the District authorities, after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW.

In the Containment Zones, only essential activities shall be allowed. There shall be strict perimeter control to ensure that there is no movement of people in or out of these zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services. Guidelines of MoHFW shall be taken into consideration for the above purpose.

In the Containment Zones, there shall be intensive contact tracing, house-to-house surveillance, and other clinical interventions, as required. 

Protection of vulnerable persons

Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, shall stay at home, except for essential and health purposes.

All other activities will be permitted, except those which are specifically prohibited.

However, in Containment Zones, only essential activities shall be allowed, as mentioned in para 5(iii) above.

National Directives for COVID 19 Management

Wearing face cover is compulsory in all public and workplaces.

Spitting in public & workplaces shall be punishable with fine, as may be prescribed in accordance with its laws, rules, or regulations by the State/ UT local authority.

Social distancing shall be followed by all persons in public places and in transport.

Marriage related gathering shall ensure social distancing, and the maximum number of guests allowed shall not be more than 50.

Funeral/ last rites related gathering shall ensure social distancing, and the maximum numbers allowed shall not be more than 20.

Consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco, etc. in public places is not allowed.

Shops will ensure a minimum six feet distance (2 gaz ki doorl) among customers and shall not allow more than 5 persons at the shop.

Additional directives for Work Places

As far as possible, the practice of work from home should be followed.

Staggering of work/ business hours shall be followed in offices, workplaces, shops, markets, and industrial & commercial establishments.

Provision for thermal scanning, hand wash, and sanitizer will be made at all entry and exit points and common areas.

Frequent sanitization of the entire workplace, common facilities and all points which come into human contact e.g. door handles etc., shall be ensured, including between shifts.

All persons in charge of workplaces shall ensure social distancing through the adequate distance between workers, adequate gaps between shifts, staggering the lunch breaks of staff, etc.

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Ever since the city of Belagavi has been included in the Smart City program of the Government of India, several environmentalists live in the fear that native vegetation will be sacrificed. The developmental works in terms of roads and buildings, often call for a clearing of spaces and the axe falls upon trees that have graced the sites for ages. Most often, these are trees that we have lived and grown up with; trees that are landmarks for specific regions within the city limits.

When the road construction on Khanapur Road commenced, several towering giants in the form of Banyan and Peepal trees, met their dismal fate at the hand of modern chopping equipment. Large volumes of pleasant shade were reduced to nothingness. Everything seemed to be lost.

In the monsoon of 2018, a little ray of hope emerged as if to compensate for the loss of vegetation. Under the leadership of local MLA Shri Abhay Patil, several pits were dug along the sides of Khanapur road and the exercise of tree plantation began. Critics remained largely skeptical of the prospective accomplishment and one wondered if it would be just another Vanamahotsava event.

It’s been almost two years and the times that have passed have seen the MLA gather volunteers and resources to water the trees and provide for their upkeep. Citizens and shopkeepers in the vicinity have also watered and maintained the trees.

Come May 2020 and the silver lining has widened into something more significant. Most trees have managed to find root within the spaces provided and today stand testimony to consistent efforts on part of the humans who chose to make it a mission to restore the greenery to whatever extent possible. The one tree that stands out amidst this hot summer is quite symbolically called “The Pride of India”- Lagerstroemia speciosa, with its wonderful pink blossoms that are a treat to the senses. Scores of these trees are in full bloom along the roadsides in addition to the slowly evolving canopies of the Peepal and Jackfruit trees. Another wonderful inclusion in this set of trees is the Kadamba tree with its broad leaves. Quite evidently, Mother Nature has responded magically, as usual to the effort to create a space with some wonderful trees in the midst of the Urban Landscape.

Going ahead, it is important to include such magical trees across the city. It is just a matter of concerted effort. We also need to create several little urban forests in order to offset the effects of the enhanced load of concrete across the city and the responsibility needs to be extended to afforestation of spaces in the nearby Western Ghats region which define the weather in the region. Belgaumites can collectively undertake this responsibility. The activity can also translate into employment opportunities and livelihood for people living in the villages there.

The “New Trees on the Block” at Khanapur road are an “Infrastructural Essential”, extremely vital to Belagavi building an image of being a truly Smart City. We as responsible citizens in association with the local administration can translate this into a larger initiative aimed at restoring the climate and even the groundwater levels in the region.

Let us hope that the elected representatives take due note of their own little accomplishment and extend efforts to establish similar Green Spaces that provide shelter, oxygen and soothing relief to the tired eyes.

The Green Saviours team over 4 years and 216 consecutive Sundays of work, has developed methodologies to create urban forests and most definitely looks forward to an invitation from the local authorities to create Mini Forests which serve as a lifeline for human and other species alike.

Despite the present loss of vegetation, with a collective effort beginning now, we can create full grown forests in just about two years and also add wonderful canopy trees along roadsides over a slightly longer passage of time. It is time to shift focus from aesthetically appealing lawns to larger flora which provides more holistic offerings.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wake up to the chirping of the birds, some super cool shade in hot summers and the wonderful sound of the rustling of leaves as the wind gently blows through them?

About the Author:
The author is an environmentalist who is the founder and coordinator of Green Saviours Association, a not-for-profit company engaged in tree plantation, restoration of degraded landscapes and creation of forests in the region for 216 consecutive Sundays since April 2016. He is also an educationist, counselor and career consultant working as a Training and Development Officer at KLE Society, Belagavi.

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Today two new positives cases have been reported from Belagavi district.

One is from Kudachi and the second one details are yet to be received.

With this, the total of Positives has risen to 110 (+8 from Bagalkote District).

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After May 14 today 2 more patients tested positive for COVID-19.

One is a secondary contact of a Patient from Kudachi while another one is from who was Quarantined in Nippani.

With this, the total positives in the district have risen to 110.

110 Total Positives, 8 Positive from Bagalkote also admitted in Belagavi Civil Hospital, 65 Discharges, 1 death. 

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Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced on Monday some measures on easing lockdown restrictions significantly.

Public transport services outside COVID-19 containment zones will start operations from Tuesday. Only 30 people should travel in one bus so as to ensure social distancing.

Auto rickshaws, taxis and maxi cabs (six-passenger vehicles) will also be allowed to operate. “Auto rickshaws and taxis will have a driver and two passengers. Maxi cabs will have a driver and three passengers.

All parks in the state will be open from 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.

All shops including salons can open
Gyms, malls, and theatres to remain shut. 

All relaxation will cease to exist every Sunday. Every Sunday will be a complete lockdown. There will be no shops and the movement of people. The existing curfew from 7 pm to 7 am will continue.

All kinds of roadside vendors and hawkers are also allowed to start their businesses.

The CM also assured that these new guidelines will not be applicable to containment zones. But he promised that the lockdown in such zones will be relaxed in phases depending upon the situation.

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Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday said that the entry of people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu will be banned till May 31. The measures are being taken in view of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

The Karnataka government has restricted the entry of visitors from states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to enter its territory till May 31.

It is unclear if people from these states will be allowed, those who have already procured travel passes will be allowed.

“Entry of people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to Karnataka will be restricted till May 31st, to control Covid19 spread.’’ – Hon'ble Chief Minister Sri. B.S Yediyurappa.@CMofKarnataka @BSYBJP @sriramulubjp @PIBBengaluru @CovidKarnataka @KarnatakaVarthe

— PANKAJ KUMAR PANDEY, IAS (@iaspankajpandey) May 18, 2020

Currently, Belagavi has two cases with travel history to Mumbai and the rest of Karnataka as well the number has risen as travelers have come in from other states.

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After around 55 days of the lockdown the North West Karnataka Transport Corporation buses started plying from Belagavi central bus stand on Tuesday.

City and inter-district bus services, along with bus services within the Belagavi district were commenced.

472 buses were made operational from Belagavi and Chikkodi divisions together.

275 buses have been deployed to connect talukas and other districts from Belagavi which is 25% of the buses that usually run.

The passengers were being screened after being let in through a single entrance at the backside. Their temperature is being recorded and their complete details including name, address, and contact numbers are being noted down. Once the passenger gets on the bus, the conductor sprays sanitiser on his/her hands.

Only 30 passengers are allowed in a bus and the fare has not been hiked.

City buses also were plying from today.

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While the state saw a single-day spike of 149 cases in the day taking the state’s total to 1395, Belagavi had some respite with no positive cases.

Currently, Belagavi district has 110 confirmed cases out of which only one is active from Belagavi city, namely Sadashiv Nagar. 8 persons from the Bagalkote district are also admitted to Belgavicivil hospital. 

65 discharges have been done so far as the patients have recovered. We have 50 active cases currently in Belagavi.

Over 7000 samples have been tested so far here.

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Lockdown Greens- Citizens embrace Environmentalism

The rampant sacrifice of vegetation in the wake of infrastructural development is a habitual human practice. In the quest to add architectural aspects to the ever-growing cities, large and small trees are often chopped off the make space for asphalt, cement concrete, pavers, and modern buildings.

No one actually is individually to blame because, over time, our concept of beauty has undergone a rather ugly change. This change in priorities has affected the weather and groundwater levels by staggering proportions but then we have continued to accept this as the modern norm. And the sad part is, we choose to be blind to the imminent environmental catastrophe that threatens to shroud our future.

Covid-19, the puny little virus has taken the world by storm. The sheer infectious nature of the protein complex that makes up this new threat to human lives has brought life to a standstill. With no solution in sight, we have resorted to social distancing in an attempt to arrest the spread of the pandemic.

This lockdown, now a global reality, has meant that people have been forced to take a break from their super busy lives. Spending time with family and self, exploring long lost hobbies and embracing arts and creativity instead of just money-minting activities has in a sense made humanity more human by providing time and space for introspection. There is a sudden surge in the concept of social responsibility and the conscious have taken to the streets with due precautions, to help those in distress. A definitely welcome change, isn’t it?

One of the issues that the #Covid-19 has brought to the fore is a concern for the environment. Having read and heard across social media about climate change and the need to reverse it has brought back the focus upon trees as our true saviors; the true keepers of all life on this planet. How much this will translate into definite national and international afforestation programs is what only time will tell but the shift in focus at the personal and societal levels is definitely encouraging.

One such Lockdown Greens incident happened in the city of Belagavi in the affluent spaces of Hindwadi. In an initiative taken up by Mr. Paramanand Gulabani, Mr. Uday Kulkarni, Dr. Dodamani, Mr. Anup Jirge, Raju Kateganavar and other residents living in the vicinity of the Jain Temple took up the responsibility to create spaces for trees.

Little spaces for trees were created by taking off the pavers in the street to gain access to soil and around 100 saplings of different varieties were planted. Relative strangers got together in an attempt to accomplish this task, new goals were set and new relations established in a cause dedicated to restoring the greenery in the city.

The array of lovely little saplings trying to make their homes in the midst of the human populace is a treat to the eyes. They have even managed to install simple wire mesh tree guards to ensure good survival rates and are undertaking to water and nurturing of these wonderful creations of Mother Nature.

It is wonderful to witness this societal change for it signals an awareness that seemed to be dwindling with the passing of each day. One can only hope that this gets as contagious as #Covid-19 is and spurs other individuals and groups to take up the responsibility of protecting Mother Nature. Let us hope more plantation initiatives emerge.

When Citizens Embrace Environmentalism, it would be a wonderful new shade of smartness to our upcoming Smart City, isn’t it?

About the Author: The author is an environmentalist who is the founder and coordinator of the Green Saviours Association, a not-for-profit company engaged in tree plantation, restoration of degraded landscapes, and creation of forests in the region for 216 consecutive Sundays since April 2016. He is also an educationist, counselor and career consultant working as Training and Development Officer at KLE Society, Belagavi.

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Around 900 people have come to Belagavi district from Maharashtra and other states and none of them have been tested for COVID-19, they have only been quarantined, reports the Sakal.

The Report further says now 200 swabs will be taken of the people who are pregnant, aged more than 65 and children below 10, and would be tested in the first lot.

The others would be tested only after 12 days of the Quarantine period is over.

Since Monday the swabs have been taken as of Tuesday evening 150 results are awaited.

Karnataka has seen a spike in positive cases over the past week and most of them are interstate travel. 

Karnataka will not allow entry of people from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat in the state until May 31, except under inevitable circumstances as there has been a spike in cases with a history of interstate travel. 

As many as 35 persons who had come from Maharashtra skipped the institutional quarantine and directly went home.

The police had a tough time to trace them as they never went to CpEd grounds after they checked at Kognoli check post.

A few addresses were also not true and hence they were traced with their mobile numbers and were sent for institutional quarantine.

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Two more persons were discharged today from the civil hospital.

Two patients from Kudachi Raibag were discharged as they recovered and their second swab tests also resulted as negative.

68 persons have been discharged as of today from the Civil hospital.

24 people from Kudcahi were positive and out of the 21 now have been discharged.

The post Two discharged today appeared first on All About Belgaum.

On Wednesday No new case was reported from Belagavi district in the mid-day bulletin. 

63 new cases were reported today in the state no positive cases were reported from Belagavi which is quite a relief.

Two patients from Kudachi Raibag were discharged as they recovered and their second swab tests also resulted as negative.

68 persons have been discharged as of today from the Civil hospital.

24 people from Kudcahi were positive and out of the 21 now have been discharged.

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