Bhatkal: "Disease should be treated as soon as possible, so that the situation for requirement of oxygen shouldn't arise", said Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar. 

He was addressing the press conference here at Bhatkal on Tuesday in wake of the raising COVID-19 cases. Speaking to presspersons, he further said, people should not get panic or worry if they start showing any symptoms related to COVID-19. If symptoms are found, one should get testing done immediately. The problem is that the people are afraid and are delaying to approach doctors for any assistance. 

"Two Bhatkal people died in Mangaluru of COVID-19, while one in Bhatkal, so far", he informed. 

DC also claimed that the numbers showing how many people are infected with Coronavirus is not important, people should approach fever clinics even if they have fever or any mild symptoms. Why did people refrain from giving swabs for testing even after they had fever?, he questioned.

About the temporarily arranged COVID center in Bhatkal, DC Harish Kumar said that the Bhatkal patients now no need of going to Karwar, they will be isolated here at COVID center (Bhatkal Women's Center), if the patient is asymptomatic.

"As many as 14 oxygen cylinders have been arranged at Karwar hospital for those who have breathing related issues. We are testing around 600 samples daily. Preparations are underway to send reports of the samples via phone messages", DC informed.

During the press meet, DC didn't declare that there was a community spread of COVID-19 in Bhatkal, but said that the officials shall soon start random testing in Bhatkal. He said, in the first instance, throat swab samples of officials including media persons will be collected, so that people do not get scared of giving swabs for testing.