Test those with fever, sore throat, fatigue for Covid: Centre to states

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 31

Taking note of the rise in Covid-19 cases accompanied by an increase in positivity rate being documented in various parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry asked all states/UTs to ramp up testing infrastructure.

A letter today, signed jointly by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and ICMR Director General Balram Bhargav, have asked all states and UTs to speed up testing by switching to rapid antigen tests (RATs) in high prevalence locations rather than persisting with RTPCR-based testing.

The letter, sent to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs, has also recommended home testing for symptomatic individuals. The ministry said in view of the current upsurge of Covid-19 cases, any individual with fever (with/without cough), headache, sore throat, breathlessness, bodyache, recent loss of taste or smell, fatigue and diarrhea should be considered as suspect case of Covid-19 unless proven otherwise by confirmation of another etiology.

While awaiting the test results, they should be advised to immediately isolate themselves and follow the home isolation guidelines.

According to the Health Ministry, RTPCR testing leads to delays in confirming diagnosis due to its turnaround time of about 5-8 hours. “Therefore, you are encouraged to increase testing by widespread use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) in such specific situations,” the letter asked the recipients.

States and UTs must set up multiple RAT booths in identified geographies and keep them operational on 24X7 basis to offer widespread testing access to all citizens. RATs may be allowed at all government and private health care facilities down to the primary health centre level, the letter stated.

The letter also suggested use of self-tests/home tests for symptomatic individuals.