COVID-health worries push south Indian state to consider ban on Diwali crackers

With the Indian states of Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal and Haryana resolving to ban the sale of crackers during the light festival of Diwali, the Karnataka government has also contemplated a state-wide ban. However, a final decision is set to be taken after proper consultations with Chief Minister, B. S. Yediyurappa.

A few rounds of meetings have already been in session with health experts, including members of the State’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).

“Experts have suggested that firecrackers can badly impact the health of those who have already been infected by COVID and even to those who have not. However, I have asked them to further deliberate and submit a report soon. Based on their report, we will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister and take a call,” the Health and Medical Education Minister, K. Sudhakar said.

As COVID-19 affects lungs the most, even those who have recovered from the virus will be vulnerable as their immunity and respiratory system will still be fragile, he added.

[Sourced from Agencies]