Udupi: 146 fresh covid cases reported from MIT, Manipal campus

coastaldigest.com news network

March 21, 2021

Udupi, Mar 21: The coastal district of Udupi today reported 170 new COVID-19 cases and 146 of them was from MIT, Manipal which has been declared as a containment zone by the district administration on March 17.

With the 146 new positive cases on Sunday, the total number of COVID positive cases from the MIT, Manipal campus has reached 300 as on Sunday. Among 146 cases, 145 students and one lecturer.

Udupi DHO Dr Sudhirchandra Sooda said that more tests have been conducted in the district and efforts are on to test all symptomatic students of MIT, Manipal on priority basis.

''On an average, we are conducting 1,900 tests per day in the district'' he added.

Meanwhile, the Community Medicine Department of KMC and the district health department are managing the fever clinics and testing facility created near MIM block to test those who have symptoms and those who are primary contacts.

Block wardens and caretakers are helping the students to buy essentials such as medicines that are not available inside the campus.

Udupi district COVID nodal officer Dr Prashanth Bhat said that the test rate in the district had never gone below the 1000 per day mark.

During the month of February when the COVID positive cases had come down, 1,200 to 1,300 tests were conducted on a daily basis. Now we have the target to conduct 2,000 tests per day to go with the method of trace and treat the COVID patients, he said.

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Tourism dept to enforce stringent pool and beach safety guidelines in coastal Karnataka

News Network

November 19,2024

In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

Clearly displaying pool depths.
Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
Establishing clear pool operating hours.
Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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