The Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard frontline test for coronavirus (COVID-19), as per the health Ministry, Government of India. It has been preferred over rapid antibody test for varied reasons.
RTPCR tests detect novel coronavirus from samples of throat or nasal swabs of people with symptoms or high-risk individuals who might have come in contact with positive patients.
As per experts, a person having symptoms for more than seven days, Rapid Antibody Test is to be done, and then if the result is positive, the person is to be kept in quarantine and contact tracing is to be done. For negative results, a person is to be monitored for 14 days and if there is any clinical suspicion, then the case is to be monitored at clinical level and the PCR test can be done if required. The mention makes sense amid Government of India notification regarding standard operating protocol for movement of passengers by scheduled train services which have commenced now.
Apart from trains, buses are being used as the most affordable ways for those stranded to return home. Both means allow safety protocol in place including physical distancing, use of masks, and hand washing.
The railways are operating special Shramik Trains for bringing back students, stranded persons, and others, the first of which arrived in J&K.
After allowing movement of people in a graded manner, the government announced 100% RTPCR testing of incoming passengers by trains and other means to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Chief Secretary as Chairperson of State Executive Committee, under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, notified that all passengers arriving by trains or any other means into Jammu and Kashmir shall be 100% tested using the RTPCR method for which the Health and Medical Education Department is making necessary arrangements.
All such passengers will be put into mandatory administrative quarantine by the Nodal Officers and concerned Deputy Commissioners/Divisional Commissioners till test results come out to be negative or till they are sent to hospital if test results are positive;
Also, the government has ordered that all passengers shall be necessarily required to wear face masks or covers besides follow social distancing norms. The prompt decision by the government is worth appreciation. However, it ought to ensure the “100 percent” testing. In other words, it means not even a single person can be skipped for its purview. People can be persuaded to comply with these tests for larger good of the society and that being we cannot have hotspots due to fresh arrivals.
Cent Percent RT-PCR Tests
