Covid-19 positivity rate dropping in Karnataka, says K Sudhakar

Karnataka health minister Dr K Sudhakar. Credit: DH File Photo

Health Minister K Sudhakar said on Wednesday that Karnataka’s positivity rate was dropping despite testing only symptomatic patients.

“This is a good sign,” he said.

“Of course, I agree that the number of tests conducted has reduced. We will take measures to address that,” he added, while responding to questions at a news conference.

The reduction in tests, he said, was not intentional and was due to technical issues which are being “sorted out.”

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According to the latest analysis by the state Covid-19 War Room, Karnataka’s positivity rate has dropped from 32.5% to 26.46%. According to the latest analysis by the State Covid-19 War Room, the positivity rate exceeds 30% in 11 districts and it is over 40% in three districts: Uttara Kannada (46.51%), Ballari (44.39%) and Belagavi (43.22%).

Sudhakar said there was no correlation between a lower positivity rate and reduced tests. He said this when it was pointed out that there was a 24% reduction in testing.

The minister said 30% of the tests conducted were Rapid Antigen Tests.