COVID Test Compulsory for All With Flu Symptoms in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed healthcare officials to test samples of all those who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms in the state for COVID-19 infection.

Rao announced that a COVID-19 helpline will be launched on Saturday.

“It has been suggested to make COVID tests mandatory for all Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). The minister held a meeting with senior health officials on Friday in Bengaluru.

“It is recommended to carry out compulsory COVID screening especially if individuals are showing symptoms of ILI. Earlier only one in 20 of these cases were subjected to a covid test,” He added. He further stated that all private and government hospitals have henceforth been instructed to conduct Covid tests for all ILI patients.

Karnataka reported nearly 300 fresh Covid cases on Friday, along with four deaths.