Coronavirus: Karnataka to conduct COVID-19 prevalence survey across state

Meanwhile, the state government also launched AI-driven movable hospitals to contain COVID-19

Bengaluru, First Published Aug 21, 2020, 1:11 PM IST | Last Updated Aug 21, 2020, 1:11 PM IST

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to conduct a survey to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 across the state and the proportion of people who have developed an immunity. The survey, which will involve adults over the age of 18, will cover 38 units, including all districts of Karnataka and 8 zones of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Pankaj Kumar Pandey, commissioner, department of health and family welfare, on Thursday (August 21) inaugurated the training program for District Surveillance Officers, District Tuberculosis Officers, Epidemiologists, and Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres under NACO.

According to the health department, the survey data is expected to guide state interventions for COVID-19 management.

Also read: India’s COVID-19 tally nears 3 million with 68.8 lakh fresh cases in single day

“The survey will include samples from populations at three risk levels. Low-risk populations include pregnant women presenting at ANC clinics and persons attending the outpatient department in hospitals or attendees of children or patients. Moderate to high risk populations will include bus conductors, vegetable vendors, healthcare workers, individuals in containment zones, and individuals in meeting areas such as markets, malls, bus stops, and railway stations. High-risk populations will include the elderly and persons with comorbid conditions,” the release said.

Data for the survey will be collected using an app to register patients, update sample collection status and lab results. the release added.

Meanwhile, the state government on August 21 launched an Artificial Intelligence-(AI) driven movable hospital, designed in the form of pods to contain the spread of contagious diseases such as COVID-19 and prevent cross-contamination at hospitals.

Developed by Vevra, a Bengaluru-based startup, the movable hospital, named Vevra Pods, was e-launched by medical education minister K Sudhakar. “AI has the potential to transform the healthcare sector. More technology start-ups should focus on developing low-cost solutions to make healthcare more accessible and affordable,” he said.

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