Bengaluru, Jun 17 (IANS): Karnataka health department has devised a random Covid testing strategy using RT-PCR pooled sample technique to examine people who generally come in contact with a large number of people, an official said on Wednesday.

"Those who are likely to come in contact with maximum number of persons in markets, malls etc should be included in the samples as per the capacity of the districts which should be inclusive of samples collected by routine testing," said Additional Chief Secretary Jawaid Akhtar.

He said random testing strategy has been adopted to ensure effective surveillance amid rising infections.

Some of the categories of people identified by Akthar include slum dwellers, vendors and bill collectors in malls, super markets, footpaths and delivery boys of food chains and couriers among others.

The senior official has also advised the BBMP commissioner and district deputy commissioners to consult with local expert committees to identify more people and locations for random sample collection testing.