Jamshedpur: At a time when the district health officials are gearing up for a vaccination drive against Covid-19, the number of cases is continuing to reduce.
In a sample of 2400 suspected Covid patients were examined in the Jamshedpur, of which only 20 tested positive. With 20 new cases, the total number of Covid cases in East Singhbhum district rose to 16,890.
The localities from where new cases of Covid-19 have been reported from Bistupur, Bagbera, Govindpur, Sonari, Kadma Mango, and Baridih. Despite the number of Covid-19 cases declining, the district administration has tightened its noose on the people not wearing masks or flouting social distancing rules. Those breaking the rules are being slapped a penalty of Rs 500. There is also a blanket ban on marriage procession.
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.