Mangaluru: A general COVID-19 testing will be conducted in all the gram Panchayats within Mangaluru taluk between September 28 and October 5.
The move comes after the Chief Executive Officer of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has notified all the gram panchayats in the taluk to conduct such an exercise in view of the increasing number if COVID-19 cases in the taluk.
The test will not be mandatory and will be conducted only for volunteer residents.
The move was also initiated as many residents are afraid to get tested even when they show symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, shortness of breath, which are similar to symptoms of COVID-19, informed officials.
"I have instructed all the gram panchayats in the taluk to organise COVID-19 testing and share the reports of the tests with the people within a week. People need not fear as this test is not mandatory. Those who are interested can get the test done. Getting tested can help prevent the spread of the virus in one's family and community, said Dr R Selvamani, CEO of Zilla panchayat.
