Mysuru: Not two months ago, districts in South Karnataka were battling what seemed like an unending upward surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, but steps and stringent measures taken by the authorities, coupled with the cooperation of the public, has resulted in positivity rate – number of people testing positive for novel coronavirus against those tested – witnessing a marked slide.
Data from the state’s Covid-19 War Room indicates that the positivity rate between November 2 and November 9, was highest in Vijayapura district, at 4%, while Bidar had the lowest, at 0.5%. In South Karnataka, Chamarajanagar had the least positivity rate, at 1.6% for the same period. The overall positivity rate for Karnataka stands at 2.7%.
The data further indicates that the number of active cases in all districts of South Karnataka has fallen drastically. In fact, as on November 9, the number of active cases in Kodagu district is just 159 – only Haveri has fewer active cases – while Chamarajanagar is not far behind with 160. The fall in the number of active cases has meant that the health department is no longer struggling to find beds.
Chamarajanagar deputy commissioner MR Ravi, however, said that there was no question of the district administration lowering its guard in view of the reduced caseload. “The people will continue to wear masks, and maintain safe distance among themselves. The aim now is to ensure there is no transmission of the novel coronavirus during the winter,” Ravi said.
Head of the Karnataka Covid-19 War Room Munish Moudgil said that the districts with lower positivity rates were conducting the prescribed number of tests.
Active cases slide
District
Positivity Rate** (%)
No. Of Active Cases*
Mysuru
3.3
1,069
Hassan
2.4
1,106
Mandya
2.8
846
Shivamogga
2
575
Chamarajanagar
1.6
160
Kodagu
2.4
159
Chikkamagaluru
2.2
426
Source: Karnataka Covid-19 War Room
*As on November 9
**Data for November 2 to November 9