Udupi: Increased testing with aim to reduce positivity rate below 2% by Aug 30

 

Udupi: As the Covid positivity rate in Udupi district is still around 2.5 to 3 percent, the district administration has chalked out measures to reduce the rate to below two percent by August 30.

Speaking on the issue of schools reopening for physical classes in Udupi, district Deputy commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha told reporters that once the TPR falls below two percent the administration can ask government to allow physical classes.

Directions have been given to officials and doctors in the health department to increase daily testing with an aim of reducing the Covid positivity rate to below two percent by August 30. The progress will be monitored by district administration and zilla panchayat.

Pointing out at the violations of Covid rules, the DC said that if people follow the protocols it will be easier to control the pandemic. However instances of people roaming without masks is being observed. Hence we have made Covid test compulsory for these violators.

Further the DC said that nearly 64 percent of eligible people have been vaccinated in the district and it stands second in the state as far as vaccination is concerned. As much as 85 percent in the 60 plus age category have been vaccinated and the remaining 15 percent will be covered on a priority basis and for this purpose we have decided to undertake door-to-door visits.

Around 65 teams, each team comprises of 65 swab collectors and data enterers are working all over the district for Covid tests, and on the spot swab collections. Presently one person is collecting 60 to 70 swabs per day, if this can be increased to 100 to 120 swabs per day the district will achieve its target easily.