Karnataka: As Covid-19 cases fall in Bengaluru, districts see a surge

Rural areas in Karnataka have started reporting more cases than Bengaluru. In April when Covid-19 cases surged in Karnataka, Bengaluru accounted for almost 70% of the caseload, but now accounts for less than 30%.

Of the 32,218 new cases reported on Friday, 29% were from Bengaluru, while Mysuru, Tumakuru, Ballari, Belagavi and a few other districts accounted for majority cases. The case positivity rate of all 30 Karnataka districts exceeds the national average of 14.5% (weekly average from May 14- May 20), with Mysuru, Uttara Kannada, Ballari, Belagavi and Hassan recording over 40%, indicating the spread.

Districts are also accounting for at least 60% of daily fatalities reported. Inadequate healthcare facilities in rural areas have come under stress, forcing the state government to revisit its Covid-19 strategy. It has now made it mandatory for all symptomatic Covid-19 positive persons in rural areas to be shifted to care centres such as schools and wedding halls, ending the practice of home isolation and treatment.


“Delayed reporting is seen as a major factor leading to higher deaths in districts,” task force chairman and deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan told ET.