Mangaluru: A laboratory for testing suspected COVID-19 samples has been set up in the Wenlock district hospital here.
Experimental trials in the laboratory will begin from April 1.
Presently, suspected COVID-19 samples for testing are sent to Bengaluru.
Earlier, State health minister B Sriramulu has stated that a virus testing laboratory will be set up in all the districts of the State.
A staff of five will be handling the laboratory, they include scientists from NITK, Surathkal; College of Fisheries, Mangaluru and University of Mangalore.
The laboratory was built at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs.
District deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh stated that the laboratory will be operational soon after receiving permission from Indian Council of Medical Research.