Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jul 12: Dr K Sudhakar, medical education minister has said that the state government had the goal of conducting 20,000 coronavirus tests by the end of the week and it has crossed the target by testing 20,288 people.

Speaking at a virtual press conference here, Sudhakar said, "The death rate in the state is 1.69% which is still less than the national average. We have achieved good success in reducing the death rate.

"One lac antigen tests have been done statewide as on Saturday, July 11 including the state capital of Bengaluru. The results will be available on Sunday. Eight zonal in-charge ministers of the capital had appealed to chief minister Yediyurappa about locking down the city in the wake of increasing cases of coronavirus infection. Accordingly, the CM has announced his decision.

"In order to eradicate coronavirus pandemic, we have to be away from three Cs - closed space, close contact, and crowds. In addition, three Ws - watch your distance, wearing masks, washing hands - should be followed mandatorily.

"We are trying to create awareness among people by providing important information. In today's situation size is not important but the state of mind. We have to do whatever we can in order to win the war against coronavirus. We should come out from the mentality that our contribution will be small or negligible. The government has to form booth-level committees in order to control coronavirus. In these committees religious and social organizations, RSS, Lions Club, Rotary Club and Scouts and Guides have to cooperate with the administration," he said.