K'taka govt to test those with symptoms in districts sans COVID-19 cases

Bengaluru, Apr 17 () With rising number of positivecoronavirus cases in the state, the Karnataka government onFriday said it decided to conduct tests on those displayingsymptoms for the disease in districts that have not reportedeven a single case of the infection so far.

Eight districts are COVID-19-free in the state.

"It has been decided to conduct tests on those who havesymptoms of disease, in districts that have not reported evena single case of COVID-19 so far," Chief Minister B SYediyurappa told reporters here.

Noting that doctors were of the opinion that it wasnecessary for those suffering with fever, cold, breathingproblem to immediately undergo COVID-19 test, he said, aspecial app is being developed for this purpose.

In the wake of COVID-19 cases increasing in the state,during the last couple of days, the Chief Minister helddiscussions with top officials and experts here.

Pointing out that more than 17,000 tests have beenconducted so far, he said, earlier we used to do 500 tests perday while now we are doing nearly 2,000.

Directing officials to lay stress on the proceduresinvolved in the treatment, Yediyurappa said, if the cases getreported at early stages, it will help doctors give propertreatments and save lives.

"Patients are coming to doctors on an average after fourdays after the symptoms occur. I appeal to the people toconsult doctors as soon as symptoms are seen," he said.

The Chief Minister said during the meeting it wasresolved to pay more attention towards patients who are in ICUand to conduct certain special tests on them.

Appropriate guidelines would be followed to treat COVID-19 patients, he said, adding that we are waiting for ICMRapproval for plasma treatment.

Observing that ICMR has issued guidelines stating thatthere should be two testing labs in every district and one inevery medical college, Yediyurappa said steps have been takento set up 10 more labs by the end of April.

The Chief Minister said the meet decided on makingpreparations to face the situation, in case the number ofcases went up after the lockdown is relaxed.

Guidelines would be issued to companies that would startworking after relaxing lockdown.

"We will meet on April 21 again to decide the furthercourse of action," he added. KSUROH ROH