Dharamshala, 24th May: On Sunday, Minister for Cooperation S.T. Somashekar, who is also in charge of the Mysuru district, assessed the situation in the Hunsur and Periyapatana taluks, expressing concern about the rise in COVID-19 cases in Periyapatana and Bylakuppe. There is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe as a result of which the district administration has restricted the entry and exit of people to the camp. The Minister stated that arrangements would be made to ensure that all of the people living in the Bylakuppe settlement’s needs are met at their doorsteps.
As of Sunday, there were 144 active incidents, prompting the Bylakuppe Gram Panchayat to halt all non-essential activities until the situation improves. According to a local health coordinator from the Bylakuppe camp, there have been two deaths so far, forcing residents to take drastic steps, and there is no window for purchasing basic necessities. He went on to say that only medical shops will be open to deal with emergencies. The settlement has three COVID Care Centres, and the local health coordinator said serious cases are usually transferred to Mysuru hospitals. He said, however, that there was no shortage of oxygen or medicines.
During the first wave, the Tibetan settlement was praised for maintaining strict lockdown and following COVID-19 guidelines. Bylakuppe had few cases even during the height of the second wave but has seen a surge in recent days. During the peak of the second wave, Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement has escaped the virus thanks to the strict steps taken by monastic leaders presumably following strict protocol advice from the CTA. Since January last year, all entrances to the Tibetan Camp have been declared closed, and precautionary steps, including screening of monks who have come from outside the camp, have been in place.