Now, no repeat test if already +ve in Valley

Srinagar: The administration in Kashmir on Monday directed Chief Medical Officers (CMO) in the valley that RTPCR test must not be repeated of any individual who has tested positive either by RAT or RTPCR amid testing laboratories being overwhelmed due to huge testing load.
As per the reports score of people after being tested positive through Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prefer to go for RTPCR test at various testing labs. However, with the rise in Covid-19 cases, the laboratories in Kashmir have been receiving an overwhelming response, following which administration has issued several guidelines to Chief Medical Officers (CMO)
In this regard, an order has been issued by Tariq Ahmad Magray, In-Charge Divisional Covid-19 Control Room Kashmir.
“The molecular (RT-PCR) testing laboratories are being overwhelmed due to a huge testing load. Moreover, it has been observed that persons testing positive on RAT are being re-tested through RTPCR thereby putting unnecessary pressure on already overburdened laboratories”, the order reads.
“In view of this situation, it is imperative to rationalize the sampling as per guidelines issued by ICMR, Ministry of Health 8s Family Welfare, GOI so that wastage of resources and unmindful testing is reduced. Accordingly, the following advisory is issued for strict compliance by all Chief Medical Officers of Kashmir Division”, the order reads.
The directions issued to CMO include that the RTPCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive either by RAT or RTPCR. No test either RAT or RTPCR shall be undertaken for Covid-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge. RTPCR test shall not be undertaken for healthy or asymptomatic individuals.