Coronavirus cases have started coming down significantly in the national Capital as only 954 cases reported on Monday.
After a spurt in number of cases, Delhi Government introduced a series of measures to contain the spread of virus which has yielded positive results.
As per the health bulletin released by the Delhi Government, at least 104918 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far, while a number of active cases stood at 15166. The total tally has reached to 123747till now.
Rapid-antigen tests started in the city on June 18. Since then a total of 830459 tests through the RT-PCR (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) and rapid-antigen methods have been conducted in Delhi with around 4,177 (RT-PCR) tests conducted on Monday.
According to health authorities, rapid-antigen testing is an easy and cheaper method as compared to the RT-PCR test. Each testing kit costs Rs 450 and can provide results within 30 minutes as compared to RT-PCR test that takes three to four hours.
The kits, called Standard Q COVID-19 Ag detection, have been developed by South Korean company S D Biosensor. The testing method involves looking for antibodies which are produced when the body is exposed to a pathogen.
If a person has antibodies associated with novel coronavirus, it means the person is either COVID-19 positive or has recovered.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, suspected individuals who test negative for COVID-19 in rapid-antigen test should undergo RT-PCR to rule out the infection.
Rapid-antigen testing requires a prescription and an ICMR form filled by a registered doctor, and a government identity proof, same as that for RT-PCR test.
The helpline numbers can be contacted on 1031, 1800-111-747, 22391014, 22301028, 22302441, 22307133, 22304568, 22307745, 22307135, 22307145, 22300012 and 22300036 in case of emergency.