Amid a sharp surge in Covid-19 cases and shortage of testing kits, Haryana Government on Wednesday tweaked the use of RT-PCR testing guidelines and issued directions to all civil surgeons to optimise RT-PCR testing to meet the expected testing target and reduce pressure on laboratories.
"RT-PCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RT-PCR and that testing is not required for Covid-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge.
Besides, the need for RT-PCR test in healthy individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel may be completely removed to reduce the load on laboratories," stated the directions issued by Director General Health Services, Haryana to civil surgeons in the State.
Officials claimed the directions came in view of fresh order of ICMR, New Delhi regarding testing for Covid-19. The order stated, "Non-essential travel of people with Covid symptoms should be avoided to minimise the risk of infection. Those undertaking essential travel must follow Covid-appropriate behaviour."
In view of the current scenario of Covid-19 in the State, the laboratories are facing challenges to meet the expected testing target due to extraordinary caseload and staff getting infected. It is imperative to optimise the RT-PCR testing and simultaneously, increase the access and availability of testing to all citizens of Haryana, it stated.
As per the guidelines, rapid antigen testing (RAT) will be ramped up in Haryana and would be made available at all Government and private healthcare facilities. The RAT testing booth which can be accessed 24×7 will be set up at multiple locations like healthcare facilities, RWA offices, schools, colleges and other available vacant spaces.
Drive through RAT testing facilities will also be created in cities, towns and villages of Haryana, the guidelines said.