ICMR issues new guidelines to test Corona Virus in India

On March 20, 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research issued new guidelines to test COVID-19.

Highlights

The ICMR has so far been conducting tests only on symptomatic patients (persons with symptoms of Corona Virus). However, the Council has now intensified random sampling. This includes people exhibiting flu like symptoms. Such a step has been adopted mainly to check if community transmission is happening.

Also, India is all set ready to go for “Janta Curfew” on March 22, 2020 where people will voluntarily stay inside homes.

Inclusions in the new testing

The Symptomatic patients in the new guidelines include all the hospitalized patients. It also includes symptomatic health care workers. High risk contacts of the infected persons are to be tested once in 5 days.

The new measure has come as India saw a sudden increase of 63 new cases on March 20, 2020. India is taking several measures to contain the virus. The Indian Navy has come to the rescue as well.

Quarantine Camp by Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has set up a quarantine camp in Vishakhapatnam. The camp has the potential to accommodate 200 patients.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020