Jamshedpur: The East Singhbhum district health department embarked on massive rapid antigen tests for Covid-19 at the steel city and in its rural areas of the district. On Saturday alone, 5000 tests were conducted. In urban areas 2364 tests were conducted out of which four were tested positive.
The drive will continue tomorrow too. The drive was carried from 8 am to continue till 4 pm.
East Singhbhum district surveillance officer, Dr Sahir Pall informed that the health department has launched a rapid antigen testing drive. In Patambda 308 tests were conducted out of which two were tested positive, in Baharagora 305 and Potka 301 tests were conducted. On Sunday 7000 tests will be conducted.
“Presently the situation is normal. But we will put continuous efforts. We want people to wear masks and continue maintaining social distancing,”said an official.
The health department has issued instructions to deputy commissioners of all four districts for effective execution of the testing drive. Guidelines for the effective use of the testing resources and other protocols have also been provided.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) detect the presence of viral proteins (antigens) expressed by the Covid-19 virus in a sample taken from the respiratory tract of a person. If the target antigen is present in sufficient concentrations in the sample, it will bind to specific antidotes fixed to a paper strip enclosed in a plastic casing.
The rapid antigen tests were carried out in Jamshedpur and in 10 blocks across the East Singhbhum district.
The sources said in Jamshedpur 16 sample collection-cum-test centres have been identified for the rapid antigen tests, whereas in the rural areas of the district 160 such centres have been set up. About 380 medical personnels, including doctors and technicians are attending the massive test drive, all wearing PPE kits during the day-long programme.
Officials said they could conduct tests on the spot at checkpoints. The results of these tests will be available in around 10 minutes. Only those found negative will be allowed to enter the city. To conduct these tests, health care professionals will also be deployed at the checkpoints, along with police officials.