Maharashtra govt decides to increase RAT tests amid rise in Covid cases

Mumbai: Maharashtra government has decided to increase the Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) in the State in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases.

State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, considering the increasing number of cases, RTPCR tests have limitations and it takes more time to receive their report. The Minister was speaking to reporters after the high level meeting of the COVID-19 task force chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. 

Mr Tope made it clear that RTPCR test will not be conducted after the



concerned person is found positive in RAT. He said, the coronavirus spread can be controlled if the citizens cooperate and come forward for these tests voluntarily. He added that the state government has also decided to reduce the duration of home quarantine to seven days from ten days. It will mandatory for the patient to undergo RTPCR test after seven days.

 

Meanwhile 61 resident doctors from JJ hospital were tested positive. A total of 139 resident doctors have been infected with Covid-19 in the state.