Citizens hesitate to get tested as Covid cases rise

BENGALURU: As the number of Covid-positive cases increase in the city, people seem to a bit anxious. Despite visiting hospitals for treatment of various ailments, they are hesitating to get a swab test done for Covid.

Public TV conducted a reality check on people’s responses to Covid testing at K C General Hospital in Malleswaram and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital.

Coronavirus positive cases are slightly on the upward trend in Bengaluru and when the daily testing is increased, more positive cases will be recorded. But some patients who are suffering from cold or cough do not want to get a swab test as they fear they may be screened positive for Covid-19.

Many people visiting K C General Hospital for treatment of various ailments are not getting Covid tests. They hesitate to undergo the swab test even though the staff are ready with PPE kits and following Covid protocols. Only a few are coming forward to give samples while most are avoiding getting tested.

Even in Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, those who have mild symptoms of Covid are not subjecting themselves for test. The health authotities have been given targets for daily testing and directives have been given to major hospitals to compulsorily conduct tests for those who have symptoms. With the increase in testing, more positive cases are being detected in the city since last week.