RT-PCR test for those with symptoms of Covid: Karnataka minister

Kalaburagi: In the wake of a spike in Covid-19 cases abroad, Karnataka is making all necessary arrangements to subject those with symptoms of the disease to an RT-PCR Test, Minister for Medical Education Dr Sharan Prakash Patil confirmed in the city on Sunday.

Dr Patil, however, urged the public not to panic, pointing to the mild intensity of the infection among those who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the state.

“The health and medical education departments are well prepared to deal with any eventuality. We have already held a meeting with all the important officials, who have been asked to closely monitor the situation,” he added.

'Mask up amid crowds'

Advising pregnant women and very small children to wear masks while in crowded places, Dr Patil added, "Those with cough, cold and other symptoms of Covid-19 must get tested for the infection".

The state will, by itself, not volunteer to set up 'Jan Aushadhi' pharmacies near government hospitals, he added.

“If the central government volunteers to provide medicines free of cost, we will construct buildings to house these pharmacies in the vicinity of government hospitals,” Dr Patil said.

‘Did Chalavadi think he’d be garlanded?’

The minister said insulting a popular leader in his home turf is bound to incur the wrath of his supporters.

Minister Priyank Kharge’s supporters had mobbed the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, at Chittapur recently for targeting the minister again and again.

“Priyank has no role in this. He is the victim in this episode. But Chalavadi Narayanaswamy is behaving like a victim,” he charged. 

“Chalavadi Narayanaswamy thoughtlessly insulted Minister Priyank Kharge. This riled up Priyank’s supporters. They demanded an apology from the Opposition leader. Did he expect to be garlanded after insulting Priyank?” Dr Patil asked.