Karnataka govt to test those with symptoms in districts sans COVID-19 cases
Bengaluru: With rising number of positive coronavirus cases in the state, the Karnataka government on Friday said it decided to conduct tests on those displaying symptoms for the disease in districts that have not reported even a single case of the infection so far.
Eight districts are COVID-19-free in the state.
"It has been decided to conduct tests on those who have symptoms of disease, in districts that have not reported even a single case of COVID-19 so far," Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa told reporters here.
Noting that doctors were of the opinion that it was necessary for those suffering with fever, cold, breathing problem to immediately undergo COVID-19 test, he said, a special app is being developed for this purpose.
In the wake of COVID-19 cases increasing in the state, during the last couple of days, the Chief Minister held discussions with top officials and experts here.
Pointing out that more than 17,000 tests have been conducted so far, he said, earlier we used to do 500 tests per day while now we are doing nearly 2,000.
Directing officials to lay stress on the procedures involved in the treatment, Yediyurappa said, if the cases get reported at early stages, it will help doctors give proper treatments and save lives.
"Patients are coming to doctors on an average after four days after the symptoms occur. I appeal to the people to consult doctors as soon as symptoms are seen," he said.
The Chief Minister said during the meeting it was resolved to pay more attention towards patients who are in ICU and to conduct certain special tests on them.
Appropriate guidelines would be followed to treat COVID- 19 patients, he said, adding that we are waiting for ICMR approval for plasma treatment.
Observing that ICMR has issued guidelines stating that there should be two testing labs in every district and one in every medical college, Yediyurappa said steps have been taken to set up 10 more labs by the end of April.
The Chief Minister said the meet decided on making preparations to face the situation, in case the number of cases went up after the lockdown is relaxed.
Guidelines would be issued to companies that would start working after relaxing lockdown.
"We will meet on April 21 again to decide the further course of action," he added.
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2nd WT20I: Shafali, spin trio do star turns in India''s seven-wicket win
Visakhapatnam (PTI): Shafali Verma hit a blistering unbeaten 69 as India made short work of a paltry target to outclass Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second Women’s T20 International here on Tuesday.
India now lead the five-match series 2-0 after another one-sided victory, having restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 128 for 9 through a collective display of disciplined bowling from the spin trio of seasoned Sneh Rana, ably complemented by young spinners Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani.
During the chase, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (14) fell cheaply but Shafali, enjoying new found confidence after a stellar show in the World Cup final, sent the bowlers on a leather-hunt during her 34-ball knock, winning it for her team in just 11.5 overs.
The hosts have now completed back-to-back successful chases within 15 overs which speaks volumes about the unit's sky-high confidence.
Shafali's innings had 11 punchy boundaries apart from a maximum.
The floodgates opened when left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera bowled a few flighted deliveries and Shafali would step out everytime to hit her over extra cover. Her footwork against slow bowlers was immaculate whether stepping out to loft the ball or rocking back to punch or pull.
Seeing her confidence, the newly appointed Delhi Capitals skipper Jemimah Rodrigues (26 off 15 balls) also attacked as the duo added 58 runs in just 4.3 overs.
By the time Rodrigues was out trying to hit one six too many, the match as a contest was over. Shafali completed her half-century off just 27 balls and completed the formalities in a jiffy.
Earlier, off-spinner Rana, who got a look-in after Deepti Sharma was ruled out due to fever, showed her utility keeping the Lankan batters under tight leash with figures of 1 for 11 in 4 overs, including a maiden which certainly is a rarity in T20 cricket.
Charani, who made an impression during India's ODI World Cup triumph, took 2 for 23 in her quota of overs, while Vaishnavi after an impressive debut in the opening encounter, finished with 2 for 32, not letting the Islanders get easy runs in her second spell.
The last six wickets fell for just 24 runs, but what stood out during India’s bowling effort was their superb ground fielding. After a patchy show in the previous game, the improved sharpness in the field resulted in three run-outs.
Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu (31 off 24 balls) looked in good nick as she deposited length deliveries from seamers Kranti Gaud and Arundhati Reddy over the ropes but it was Rana, who kept her quiet by repeatedly pitching on good length.
Unable to manoeuvre the strike and with the big hits suddenly drying up, Athapaththu chanced her arm at another delivery in which Rana had shortened the length slightly.
Not having transferred the weight into the lofted shot, Athapaththu's hoick was pouched cleanly by Amanjot Kaur at long-off.
This was after Athapaththu's opening partner Vishmi Gunaratne (1) had offered a simple return catch to Gaud.
Hasini Perera (22 off 28 balls) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33 off 32 balls) did stitch a stand of 44 but they could never set the tempo against the Indian spin troika.
Once Hasini offered a tame return catch off a Charani full-toss, Sri Lankans never recovered and lost wickets in a heap towards the end.
