{"id":11088,"date":"2021-05-04T20:42:08","date_gmt":"2021-05-04T15:12:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nerising.in\/?p=11088"},"modified":"2021-05-04T23:34:10","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T18:04:10","slug":"rt-pcr-must-not-be-required-for-domestic-travel-if-healthy-icmr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northeastrising.in\/test\/rt-pcr-must-not-be-required-for-domestic-travel-if-healthy-icmr\/","title":{"rendered":"RT-PCR must not be required for domestic travel if healthy’: ICMR"},"content":{"rendered":"

COVID Update, May 4:<\/strong> Amid an alarming surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday recommended measures to optimize RT-PCR testing, suggesting that RT-PCR tests must not be required for domestic travel if an individual is healthy.<\/p>\n

Stating that laboratories are presently \u201cfacing challenges<\/strong>\u201d to meet the expected testing target due to the \u201cextraordinary caseload<\/strong>\u201d, the ICMR said that optimizing the RTPCR testing and increasing the availability of testing to all citizens is important.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn unprecedented upsurge of COVID-19 cases and deaths are currently being witnessed across India. The overall nationwide test positivity rate is above 20%. As of today, India has a total of 2506 molecular testing laboratories including RTPCR, TrueNat, CBNAAT, and other platforms<\/strong>,\u201d the ICMR said.<\/p>\n

The medical research regulator also stressed that \u201ctesting-tracking-tracing, isolation and home-based treatment<\/strong>\u201d of positive patients is the key measure to curb transmission of the viral disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe total daily national testing capacity is close to 15 lakh tests considering a three-shift operationalization of the existing laboratory network. At present, the laboratories are facing challenges to meet the expected testing target due to extraordinary caseload and staff getting infected with COVID-19. In view of In this situation, it is imperative to optimize the RTPCR testing and simultaneously increase the access and availability of testing to all citizens of the country<\/strong>,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n

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Also Read<\/span>:<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Travel restrictions imposed on travellers from these 5 states in Sikkim<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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Recommended measures to optimize RTPCR testing<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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  1. RTPCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RTPCR.<\/li>\n
  2. No testing is required for COVID-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge in accordance with the discharge policy of MoH&FW (https:\/\/www.mohfw.gov.in\/pdf\/ReviseddischargePolicyforCOVID19.pdf<\/a><\/span>).<\/li>\n
  3. The need for RT-PCR test in healthy individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel may be completely removed to reduce the load on laboratories.<\/li>\n
  4. Non-essential travel and interstate travel of symptomatic individuals (COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms) should be essentially avoided to reduce the risk of infection.<\/li>\n
  5. All asymptomatic individuals undertaking essential travel must follow COVID appropriate behaviour.<\/li>\n
  6. Mobile testing laboratories are now available on the GeM portal. States are encouraged to augment RTPCR testing through mobile systems.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Measures to improve access and availability of testing:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

    Rapid antigen tests (RATs) were recommended in India for COVID-19 testing in June 2020. However, the use of these tests is currently limited to containment zones and health care settings. RAT has a short turn-around time of 15-30 minutes and thus offers a huge advantage of quick detection of cases and the opportunity to isolate and treat them early for curbing transmission.<\/p>\n

    So far, ICMR has approved 36 RATs of which 10 are on the GeM portal. To meet the overwhelming testing demand, it will be prudent to upscale testing using RATs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Measures to ramp up testing through RAT:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
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    1. RAT may be allowed at all available government and private healthcare facilities.<\/li>\n
    2. Set up dedicated RAT booths in cities, towns, and villages to offer to test to people.<\/li>\n
    3. Testing booths may be set up at multiple locations including healthcare facilities, RWA, offices, schools, colleges, community centres, and other available vacant spaces.<\/li>\n
    4. These booths should be operational on a 24X7 basis to improve access and availability of testing.<\/li>\n
    5. Drive – through RAT testing facilities may be created at convenient locations as identified by the local administration.<\/li>\n
    6. Stringent measures must be instituted to avoid overcrowding at RAT testing facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Additional advice by ICMR on RT-PCR Domestic Travel<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n