When to get tested for Coronavirus COVID-19?
Pune, March 30, 2020: The first case of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in India was reported on 30 January 2020, originating from China. As of 29 March 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have confirmed a total of 1024 cases, 96 recoveries, 1 migration and 27 deaths in the country. Experts suggest the number of infections could be a substantial underestimate, as India’s testing rates are among the lowest in the world. The infection rate of COVID-19 in India is reported to be 1.7, significantly lower than in the worst affected countries.
The outbreak has been declared an epidemic in more than a dozen states and union territories, where provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 have been invoked, and educational institutions and many commercial establishments have been shut down. India has suspended all tourist visas, as a majority of the confirmed cases were linked to other countries.
COVID-19 testing – when and how?
All individuals need not be tested, because Disease is primarily reported in Individuals with travel history to the affected countries or close contacts of positive cases
WHOM TO TEST
ALL symptomatic people who
Have history of international travel in last 14 days
Had come in contact of confirmed cases
Are healthcare workers
Are hospitalized patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) or Influenza Like Illness (ILI) or severe pneumonia
Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of confirmed cases should be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in his/her contact. Direct and high-risk contact include:
Those living in same household with a confirmed case
Healthcare workers who examined a confirmed case without adequate protection as per WHO recommendations
List of labs (Govt. & Private) can be accessed at: icmr.nic.in
For further information: Call the State helpline numbers or Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India’s 24×7 helpline numbers
1075 (Toll Free) | 011-23978046 Email to: [email protected] , [email protected]
