Coronavirus: ICMR advises to allow ‘on demand’ COVID-19 testing

 It also suggested that 100% of people living in containment zones should be tested by rapid antigen tests

<p>The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Friday (September 4) issued an advisory allowing on-demand testing for individuals who wish to get themselves tested and those undertaking travel to countries or Indian states mandating a negative COVID-19 test at the point of entry.</p>

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Friday (September 4) issued an advisory allowing on-demand testing for individuals who wish to get themselves tested and those undertaking travel to countries or Indian states mandating a negative COVID-19 test at the point of entry.

<p>The advisory for testing strategy recommended by the national task force on COVID-19 said that the state governments can decide simplified modalities for on-demand testing.<br />&nbsp;</p>

The advisory for testing strategy recommended by the national task force on COVID-19 said that the state governments can decide simplified modalities for on-demand testing.

<p>"Testing on demand for all individuals undertaking travel to countries or Indian states mandating a negative COVID-19 test at the point of entry, and for all individuals who wish to get themselves tested; State governments to decide modalities," ICMR said.<br />&nbsp;</p>

"Testing on demand for all individuals undertaking travel to countries or Indian states mandating a negative COVID-19 test at the point of entry, and for all individuals who wish to get themselves tested; State governments to decide modalities," ICMR said.

<p>It also suggested that 100% of people living in containment zones should be tested by rapid antigen tests, particularly in cities where there has been the widespread transmission of the infection.</p>

It also suggested that 100% of people living in containment zones should be tested by rapid antigen tests, particularly in cities where there has been the widespread transmission of the infection.

<p>Under 'routine surveillance in containment zones and screening at points of entry', the advisory recommended testing of all asymptomatic high-risk individuals (people above 65 and those with co-morbidities etc.) in containment zones.<br />&nbsp;</p>

Under 'routine surveillance in containment zones and screening at points of entry', the advisory recommended testing of all asymptomatic high-risk individuals (people above 65 and those with co-morbidities etc.) in containment zones.

<p>Besides, it said testing all symptomatic (ILI symptoms) cases, including healthcare and frontline workers. All asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts (in family and workplace, people aged 65 and above, those who are immunocompromised or have co-morbidities etc) of a laboratory-confirmed case are to be tested once between day 5 and day 10 of coming into contact.</p>

Besides, it said testing all symptomatic (ILI symptoms) cases, including healthcare and frontline workers. All asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts (in family and workplace, people aged 65 and above, those who are immunocompromised or have co-morbidities etc) of a laboratory-confirmed case are to be tested once between day 5 and day 10 of coming into contact.