No repeat of COVID-19 test if already positive: Govt

SRINAGAR — The Government on Tuesday said that RTPCR or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) tests must not be repeated of any individual who already have been tested positive. In-Charge, Divisional COVID-19 Control Room Kashmir said this in an order on May 10.

“The molecular (RT-PCR) testing laboratories have been overwhelmed due to huge testing load and the government has observed that people tested positive on RAT are being re-tested through RTPCR, thereby putting unnecessary pressure on already overburdened labs,” it reads.

Meanwhile, the government in directions issued to the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) said that no test either RAT or RTPCR shall be undertaken for COVID-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge.

“RTPCR test shall not be undertaken for healthy or asymptomatic individuals,” it reads.

“In view of this situation, it is imperative to rationalize the sampling as per guidelines issued by ICMR, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI so that wastage of resources and unmindful testing is reduced,” it reads.