1. Home
2. India

Covid19: Centre flags decline in testing, asks states and UTs to ramp it up to track spread

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/19/2022 12:43:24 PM

New Delhi, Jan 18 The health ministry has written to the states and union territories highlighting there has been a decline in Covid-19 testing. It has reminded the states that the basic objective of testing is early detection of cases for quick isolation and care. The letter to the states by Centre said: "Testing remains a key and crucial component of the framework. However, it is seen from the data available on the ICMR portal that testing has declined in many states and union territories. Please note that in all advisories on testing issued by ICMR has the basic objective of early detection of cases for quick isolation and care." 1) Identification of new clusters and new hotspots of infection, which can in turn facilitate immediate action for containment such as setting up of containment zones, contact tracing, quarantining, isolation and follow up. This can enable the state and district administration to curb the spread of infection. 2) Ensuring 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 he higher. The letter, written by the additional health secretary, mentioned: "This advisory needs to be read in conjunction with the earlier guidelines and advisories of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.