Covid Cases Rise, 32 Reported in B'luru Alone

Numbers go up to 38 in state; docs say people must wear masks in crowded places as new variants drive fresh cases

- RISHITA KHANNA @Bengaluru

KARNATAKA has recorded 38 Covid-19 cases so far, 32 of them in Bengaluru, prompting health officials to issue an advisory on Friday. While the numbers mark a slow uptick, doctors say Covid is now part of the regular cycle of viral infections and is likely to behave like seasonal flu, with periodic rises and dips—making panic unnecessary.

Doctors also suggest masking up in crowded places as a sensible preventive step to avoid a larger spread.

Covid-19 cases are rising again primarily due to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations in the spike protein, which can increase transmissibility and partially evade immune protection. Over time, the immunity developed from vaccines or prior infections wanes, especially without updated booster doses, making individuals more susceptible to reinfection.

Environmental factors, seasonal changes, and increased indoor gatherings also contribute to higher transmission rates.