Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SHP)
Mangaluru, Sep 25: A supposed official order dated September 24, 2020, has been circulating across social media platforms claiming that Dakshina Kannada residents will be subjected to mandatory coronavirus tests. What seems to resemble a circular also contains the dates and places of when and where the tests will be carried out.
The order further mentions that given the rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the district there was a need felt for ramping up the Covid tests. As per the circular, camps will be set up in specific zones in the Dakshina Kannada district for conducting the tests. For undergoing tests, primary health centres where people can go and get tested were also mentioned with 21 being in Mangaluru, 19 in Bantwal, 13 in Beltangady, 10 in Puttur and seven in Sullia.
The duration of the mentioned camp will be from September 28 to October 5.
However, there have been reservations among one of the departments of the district administration over the authenticity of the order that has been circulating. Speaking to Daijiworld, zilla panchayat CEO R Selvamani maintained that the said order was legitimate but an error in the content has created confusion among the public. He clarified that the tests would be entirely voluntary, and not mandatory.
Following the error, a revised circular stating that tests should be conducted only on voluntary basis has been issued.
The district health officer however stated that no such order has been issued as of now.