RT-PCR tests to go up to 2.5 lakh daily: Sudhakar

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In the wake of a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases, it has been decided to conduct 2.5 lakh RT-PCR test daily in the state of which 1.3 lakh tests will be done in Bengaluru City, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar.

Addressing a news conference here on Thursday, he said the government has already made the RT-PCR negative report compulsory for travelers from other states. Following the rise in Corona cases, priority is being given to testing, tracing and treatment of patients.

Of the total cases reported in the state, nearly 75 per cent are from Bengaluru City. Unfortunately, Bengaluru has emerged as the epicenter of the third wave, he added. Dr.Sudhakar said as many as 45 lakh people have not taken the second dose of the vaccine so far and they must take it quickly as it would give protection from the virus. The vaccination has not started for children in the age group of 0-15 years because of which they are testing positive. However, vaccination has started for the children in the age group of 15 to 18. Special attention is given to children in the age group of 0-12 years as they have not been administered the vaccine yet, he said. The minister also said the Government of India has sent 65 lakh vaccine doses to Karnataka. Despite an increase in cases, the number of people taking admission in hospitals is very less. The new variant is spreading faster compared with the Delta variant. In the case of the Delta variant, it would take a minimum 10-15 days for the cases to double but in the case of the new variant, it requires only three days.