Covid-19 sample testing doubled in Delhi, rate per test fixed at Rs 2,400: MHA

at 10:48 pm

New Delhi (NVI): A slew of steps has taken to tackle the Covid-19 situation in Delhi following a series of review meetings held by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on Sunday and Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said today.

A total of 16,618 test samples were collected on June 15-16, the MHA said, adding that daily collection of samples varied between 4,000-4,500 till June 14. Reports of 6,510 tests have been received so far and the remaining will be received by tomorrow, the Ministry said in a statement.

Apart from that, door-to-door health survey of residents has been undertaken in 242 Containment Zones of Delhi. Out of total population of 2,30,466 in these zones, complete survey has been carried out of 1,77,692 persons during 15-16th June. Remaining persons will be covered by 20th June, MHA said in a relase.

“As part of actions to be completed as directed by Amit Shah to tackle the COVID situation in Delhi, the report of high level Expert Committee headed by Dr V.K Paul on rates to be charged by testing laboratories has been received in the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the same has been sent to Delhi Government for further necessary action,” read an official statement.

The committee has fixed rate per test at Rs 2,400, it said.

One more action taken as per decisions taken by Amit Shah, as per new protocol approved by ICMR, testing for COVID-19 will be done as per new Rapid Antigen methodology w.e.f 18th June, the Ministry added.

“This technique will be much faster & cheaper. Priority for supply of kits will be given to Delhi and a total of 169 centers have been set up in Delhi for collection & testing of samples,” it said.