Andhra Pradesh to test 4,000 COVID suspects per day

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to double the number of COVID-19 tests per day to 4,000.

“As of now more than 2,100 tests are being done per day and that will be increased to 4,000 a day by using TrueNat TB testing equipment,” Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy said during a review meeting here on Wednesday.

The CM instructed officials to test around 32,000 members who have been identified during the family survey conducted by the government. The rapid testing should start by taking every mandal as a unit, he said. Officials have also been asked to pay Rs. 2,000 financial assistance to the poor who are returning home from quarantine centers.

The government said it is spending Rs. 500 on each person for food, bed, and blanket, Rs. 50 for sanitation, and Rs. 300 for transport. A double room or a single room is being provided to those who are under quarantine and are sent home only after ensuring that proper medical protocol is followed, officials said.

The Chief Minister instructed the officials to forward the standard operating procedure (SOP) to lower authorities and ensure that the medical safety equipment is being supplied to frontline workers and emergency staff.

Regarding protecting the interests of farmers, Jagan said, “Priority should be given to market banana and watermelon and monitor edible oil prices. All appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the safety of farmers and monitor prices of essential goods.”