Kerala to conduct 3.75 lakh COVID-19 tests in two days amid surge in cases

Amid surge in Covid-19 cases in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George said 3.75 lakh tests would be conducted across the state on Thursday and Friday as part of an augmented testing strategy. The strategy involves identifying and isolating maximum cases.

The move comes as the average Test Positivity Rate (TPR) continues to remain above 10-mark in the state.

“As part of the mass testing strategy, 1.25 lakh samples will be collected on Thursday. This will be followed by 2.5 lakh tests on Friday. Tests will be conducted by identifying specific regions and target groups which are at risk to exposure of the virus. The results of this test will be analysed and Covid-19 containment strategy will be intensified based on the same,” Kerala health minister George said.

Those with influenza-like symptoms, severe respiratory infections, diabetes and hypertension and those under 45 years of age having frequent exposure to the general public will be screened under the new testing strategy.

Those over 45 years of age who have not been vaccinated and those who come into contact with Covid-19 patients, all patients in Outpatient department (OPD) and those seeking non-Covid treatment will also undergo testing.

Kerala reported 15,637 new Covid-19 cases and 128 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the latest figures released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

The death toll due to the infection in the state stood at 14,938. While 12,974 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, Kerala has 1,17,708 active cases. The test positivity rate stood at 10.03 per cent. India Today