Bengaluru : After 2 cases of Omicron Sub-variant BA. 2 cases were detected in Bengaluru on Friday, the

Karnataka Health Department has pressed up measures to tackle the emerging situation BA. 2 is said to be more transmissible than the original strain.

To take up the battle against the virus, the government will again increase the number of tests in the state.

More number of covid cases are reported from Mahadevapura and East Zones in Bengaluru where most major IT companies are located with lakhs of software professionals at work.

Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, Dr CN Manjunath said on Saturday that the BA.2 variants were earlier found in New Delhi and Mumbai have been traced in the state.

Manjunath said there is a possibility of a fourth Covid wave in Karnataka in 3-4 weeks and the BA.2 variant might be responsible for the surge.

“However, if the fourth wave hits the state, the number of people getting admitted to hospitals will be lesser than before though the infection will spread rapidly,” Manjunath stated.

“There are no restrictions in the state as all activities have resumed just like in the pre-Covid period. This is going to result in a spike in Covid cases in another two weeks. People need to be cautious,” he warned.

Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar had said that some studies have shown that the fourth wave of Covid-19 may start in June-July and last till September, and the state is prepared to face it.