Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 27: In the wake of a recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the Karnataka health department has issued fresh guidelines making Covid-19 testing mandatory across the state.

With new cases and deaths reported in India over the past two days, authorities have urged citizens to wear masks and maintain social distancing. While concerns about a possible new lockdown have surfaced, health officials have clarified there is no need to panic. However, testing has now been made compulsory as a precautionary measure.

According to the new circular issued by the health department, RT-PCR testing is mandatory for all SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases. The directive, based on recommendations from the Technical Advisory Committee, sets a daily testing target of 150 to 200 cases in the state.

All test samples must be submitted to designated laboratories on the same day, and testing is to be conducted strictly in government labs. Available Covid-19 testing kits must be used in the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) order, and instructions have been given to ensure kits are not rendered unusable due to delays or mishandling.

The guidelines mandate compulsory RT-PCR testing for all Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases. Additionally, testing is required for elderly individuals, children, and pregnant women who exhibit symptoms. Authorities have also instructed that all collected samples must reach the designated laboratories on the same day to ensure timely processing and reporting.

With the rise in cases, hospitals have been directed to increase monitoring of pregnant and postnatal women. Covid-19 tests are being conducted in several hospitals for this group. Those showing symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention.

Pregnant women and new mothers are advised to take extra precautions, including wearing masks and avoiding crowded areas to prevent any impact on newborns. Seeking medical advice from obstetricians is also recommended.

Amid the rise in Covid-19 cases, the state has resumed testing from today. Testing will initially be conducted in government medical college hospitals and district hospitals. The department has also decided to reopen eight RT-PCR testing labs to meet the increased demand.

Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, over the increasing concern over Covid, selected government hospitals will carry out testing. He also noted that most current Covid cases involve only mild symptoms and do not require hospitalization. He emphasized that patients should remain at home, especially new mothers, and that everyone should wear masks as a precautionary measure. “There is no need to panic unnecessarily. Wearing a mask is good for us,” the minister added.