New Delhi: Testing over eight lakh samples for six days in a row, India’s total COVID-19 tests have touched 3.52 crore said the Health Ministry. In a separate development, the average daily positivity rate has also come down. From 9.67 per cent during August 3-9 the positivity rate has been reduced to 7.67% over the last week. This information was given by the Health Ministry said Sunday. So far, 3,52,92,220 samples have been tested for detection of COVID-19 with 8,01,147 being tested Saturday.
The steep rise in testing is a result of effective implementation of the aggressive testing strategy of the Centre. This rate has been achieved through a focused and graded approach, the Health Ministry said.
“The rising average daily tests during the past three weeks present a strong depiction of the progress made in enhancement of COVID-19 tests across India. The rise in daily testing has been followed by a decrease in the average daily positivity rate,” the Health Ministry highlighted. The tests per million has also seen a boost due to the sharp focus on the ‘test, track and treat’ policy. Currently tests per million population have seen a boost, touching 25,574 as on date.
“It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases can be identified. Then their contacts are tracked in a timely manner and promptly isolated. Also severe and critical patients are provided the needed clinical treatment,” the ministry informed.
The testing strategy also ensured a steady expansion of the laboratory network. Today, there are 983 labs in the government sector and 532 private labs. So the total of 1515 labs is providing comprehensive testing facilities to the people, the Health Ministry added.
With a single-day spike of 69,239 infections, India’s COVID-19 caseload mounted to 30,44,940. The death toll climbed to 56,706 with 912 fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the Health Ministry said.
