MANGALURU: The Covid-19 positivity rate of Dakshina Kannada reduced from 16% on Friday to 12.9% on Saturday, even as the district reported 618 fresh cases.
Meanwhile, four more Covid related fatalities increased its death tally to 976.
The district saw 524 patients being discharged, and has 7,062 active cases.
The district also saw two deaths related to mucormycosis.
Meanwhile, two more fresh cases of the disease increased the district’s total number of active mucormycosis cases to 45.
Deputy commissioner K V Rajendra said that the emphasis will be on enforcement of strict lockdown norms, and thereby reduce the positivity rate further.
“It is difficult to bring the positivity rate down, without strictly enforcing the lockdown.
Complete lockdown will be enforced in villages and towns, where the positivity rates are high.
More test equipment and manpower will be given to all public health centres in the district,” the DC said.
Meanwhile, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has also been collecting swabs from all residents in apartments, where positive cases are reported.
Mayor Premanand Shetty visited an apartment in Mangaladevi on Saturday, and took the initiative to collect swabs from residents.
“People should cooperate when health department staff visit apartments and residential areas to collect swabs,” Shetty appealed.
Udupi district recorded 258 fresh cases of Covid-19 and two deaths.
With this, the district’s active cases reduced to 3,348, and the death toll increased to 356.
Udupi deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha directed officials to prevent public programmes in the district.
“Book cases against the organisers of any such programmes.
Only marriages with limited guests are allowed during the unlock period from June 14,” the DC said.