Karnataka: Testing up, but it’s still not enough

BENGALURU: Karnataka has significantly increased its daily testing numbers from about 14,000 on average in June-end to 21,000 now. On Wednesday, the state tested 24,500 samples, the highest so far.
However, Karnataka has the lowest testing rate among 29 states and seven UTs, an analysis of available data shows. Karnataka conducted 13,022 tests per million till Tuesday, the day when it overtook Gujarat to become the state with the fourth highest caseload.
Karnataka has tested above 8.2 lakh people since March, while major states have touched the 15 lakh mark. Analysis shows worst-hit states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan, with comparative populations, are testing significantly higher numbers.
"A lag in testing leads to more cases, which results in need for even more tests to finally get a handle on the pandemic. We’ve been playing catch-up from the beginning and, experts say, we are still nowhere close to narrowing the gap,’’ admitted a senior health department official, who is part of the state Covid taskforce.
Public health experts have been stressing on enhanced testing to detect positive cases. They say poor testing could worsen the situation. Health department officials say they aim to test 30,000 samples a day by the month-end.
"Though the state has increased its testing capacity in the last two weeks, it is unlikely to be enough as more positive cases are being diagnosed. We need to test at least about 30,000 people every day. That’s our target now,’’ said Dr CN Manjunath, nodal officer for Covid-19 testing in the state.
In mid-March, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sent a clear message to all states: test, test, and test. The more tests conducted, the easier it becomes to track the spread of the virus and reduce transmission. Many states followed the advice, identifying more number of cases at an earlier stage, isolating infected individuals and limiting the virus spread.
However, Karnataka failed to pay heed to the early advice from ICMR. Today, many infections are going undetected, with the state now recording the fastest growth rate in corona count.
On the other hand, Delhi, which saw a massive spike in the number of coronavirus cases about three weeks ago, got its act together. It significantly increased testing capacity and also improved contact tracing. Today, it is showing the fastest improvement rate nationally.
"When the positivity rate is less than 5%, it means you are properly testing the sickest of the sick. The government has promised to accomplish this and if it does, it will be a huge relief,’’ said Dr Giridhara Babu, epidemiologist and member Karnataka Covid taskforce. Some experts also warn that the government should resolve testing-related issues before the second wave of coronavirus hits the state (in September-October).