IndiaFightsCorona
'Test those with fever, sore throat': Centre to states amid surge in Covid cases, Omicron spread
New Delhi/IBNS: The Centre on Friday directed states to test those with fever, headache, sore throat, breathlessness, body ache, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and diarrhea as suspects of Covid-19, amid the steep rise in cases and the Omicron variant across the country.
All those with symptoms should "immediately isolate themselves and follow home isolation guidelines," the centre has said when the scare of a possible third wave is spreading.
A jump in daily infections in the country - especially in big cities - has sparked fresh worry.
India on Friday recorded 16,764 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which is 43 percent higher than Thursday's tally, according to the Health Ministry data released on Friday.
The country has logged over 1,200 Omicron cases so far - a large number of these have been reported from Maharashtra and Delhi.
In its statement, the government has also insisted on ramping up testing.
"The estimated national daily molecular testing capacity is more than 20 lakh per day," the government said.
If RT-PCR tests delay results, states should opt for Rapid Antigen Tests and more booths should be set up for the same, the government said.
"Use of self-tests and home tests may be encouraged for symptomatic individuals. Seven such home testing kits have been approved so far," the statement further read.
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