Karnataka achieves 61% target; Mandya district shows the way with 116%

BENGALURU: Karnataka achieved 61% of the targeted Covid-19 vaccination coverage on Monday (at 6.45pm), Day 3 of the inoculation campaign. While the target for the day was to cover 81,326 healthcare workers, only 49,918 received the first dose.
The Union ministry of health and family welfare said 588 people suffered adverse side effects across the country and seven had to be hospitalised.Manohar Agnani, additional secretary, Union ministry of health, said the seven includes two people in Chitradurga. One patient is under observation at the district hospital, while the other at a general hospital in Challakere taluk.
State data showed 9,635 healthcare workers were vaccinated in Bengaluru Urban district — 52% of the target of 18,687 people.
The highest coverage of 116% was reported in Mandya district. While the target for the day was to vaccinate 2,474 healthcare workers, district staff vaccinated 2,863. Bagalakot and Dakshina Kannada districts reported 32% coverage each, but the drive yielded a good response in Tumakuru (81%), Chitradurga (74%), Chikkaballapura (73%), Uttara Kannada (71%), Ballari (68 %), Vijayapura (68%), Yadgir (66%) and Dharwad (62%) districts.
Cops too get a dose
Although the first phase is limited to healthcare workers, some police personnel and others were administered doses in Bengaluru. BBMP commissioner Manjunatha Prasad said, “Everyone who worked or volunteered at Covid-19 sites, including ward offices and food distribution sites have been added to the beneficiary list under the other support staff category.”
Leave policy
The state government has extended the leave policy for Covid-19 infected people and primary contacts. In March 2020, it had issued an order urging all establishments to grant 28 days paid leave to employees infected by Covid-19. The latest order said the policy should continue, despite the vaccination drive.