Daily Covid tests dip by 10K in a month in Punjab

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 9

Over the last month, average Covid-19 sampling in the state has dropped by 10,000 tests per day. From around 30,000 daily tests in October, the average daily testing has been reduced to 20,000 in November. However, the Health Department claimed that it had to reduce tests after the positivity rate declined in the state. On October 14, the Health Department collected around 30,000 samples while positive case turned out to be just 549.

However, things have changed in a month. On November 6, 19,312 samples were collected and 647 positive cases were reported.

Experts said Health Department and locals had become complacent about the spread of the virus following the decline in cases and fatalities.

Sources said health officials had stopped conducting the tests of close contacts of positive patients unless they were symptomatic. In fact, asymptomatic contacts were discouraged by health officials to get the tests done.

A health official said, “Now, tests are being conducted only when it is necessary. Otherwise, we inform the close contacts of patients to isolate for a few days.”

Meanwhile, Dr Manjit Singh, Director, Health Department, said there was a 2 per cent decline in the positivity rate, therefore fewer tests were being conducted. “I have directed all civil surgeons to ramp up testing as the cases have started rising again,” said Dr Manjit Singh.