Bengaluru, October 19, 2020: Bengaluru has seen a drastic reduction in mortality rate and significant rise in Covid testing capacity by 73% said Health, Family welfare and Medical Education Minister Dr.K.Sudhakar.

Addressing a press conference her on Monday, the Minister said that over 13.20 lakh tests have been conducted in Bengaluru till September 19. Staggering 22.90 lakh tests have been conducted in last one month. Increase by 9.70 lakh tests compared to last month. Also huge increase of testing by 49% when compared to other big cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Said the Minister

Mortality rate can be reduced if tests are conducted at earlier stages and treatment is administered soon. Currently mortality rate is at 1.37% and we have the target to reduce it below 1%. Mortality rate in Bengaluru is at 1.14% and we are very near to our target. Virus is under control and reduction in number of infected persons. Minister explained.

The increase in number of cases is due to the increase in testing. It is not possible to reduce the test rate in order to show less number of cases. People should understand increase in number is due to increase in testing. Said Dr.Sudhakar

Responding to a question Minister said that several complaints have been received regarding middlemen blocking beds in private hospitals and trying to exploit people. Government will take strict action against such miscreants.

Minster also urged people to provide correct information while undergoing testing. By providing wrong information people are not deceiving government but themselves, minister said.

Other Points made by the Minister:

• Karnataka is conducting tests in a large scale, around 80 thousand RTPCR tests and 30-40 thousand antigen tests per day.

• People should compulsorily follow safety guidelines during the festive season.

• Measures have been initiated to prevent spread of communicable diseases in flood affected areas