Amid uptick in Covid cases, Centre tells states, UTs to ramp up testing
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday directed all states and Union Territories "to immediately increase Covid-19 testing in a strategic manner" after witnessing the trend of case positivity in specific areas".
In a letter written to all states and UTs, Additional Secretary (Health) Arti Ahuja said that the despite rising of Omicron cases in the country, the data available on the Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR) portal shows a decline in the Covid tests in many States and Union Territories. Notably, Omicron has been declared as the Variant of Concern (VoC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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Listing the basic objective of Covid-19 testing as early detection of cases for quick isolation and care along with it being a key strategy for pandemic management, Ahuja remarked that the "identification of new clusters and new hotspots of infections can facilitate immediate action for containment such as setting up of containment zones, contact tracing, quarantining, isolation and follow up. This will allow the state and local governments to control the spread of infection."
"Ensure reduction in mortality and morbidity. Progression of disease to a severe category can be averted by strategic testing of those who are at high risk and more vulnerable, as well as in areas where the spread is likely to be higher," she stated.
In addition, all people who are symptomatic, as well as at-risk contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases, must be tested, read the letter.
"Pay immediate attention and strategically increase the testing keeping in view the trend of case positivity in specific geographies within your States/UTs," she added.
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-PTC News