Udupi: Udupi district has outlined measures to reduce the covid positivity rate to below two percent by August 30 since the district’s Covid positivity rate is around 2.5-3 percent. Asked about the possibility of reopening schools for physical education in Udupi, district Deputy Commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha told reporters that once the TPR declines below two percent, the administration can seek government permission to allow physical education.
It has been directed that officials and doctors in the health department increase daily testing with the goal of reducing the Covid positivity rate to below two percent by August 30.. The progress will be monitored by district administration and zilla panchayat. Pointing out at the violations of Covid rules, the DC said that if people follow the protocols it will be easier to control the pandemic. However instances of people roaming without masks is being observed. Hence we have made Covid test compulsory for these violators.
Further the DC said that nearly 64 percent of eligible people have been vaccinated in the district and it stands second in the state as far as vaccination is concerned. As much as 85 percent in the 60 plus age category have been vaccinated and the remaining 15 percent will be covered on a priority basis and for this purpose we have decided to undertake door-to-door visits. Around 65 teams, each consisting of 65 swab collectors and data entry staff, are working all over the district for Covid tests, and on-the-spot swab collection. It will be easy for the district to reach its goal if it can increase the number of swabs per day to 100 to 120.
