Random COVID-19 tests to resume at Delhi Metro stations, bus stops, markets: Report

Representative image

With active COVID-19 cases increasing to 1,262 in Delhi and positivity rate reaching 5.33 percent - the highest since January 31 - the authorities are planning to reinforce COVID-19 tests at public places, according to a Mint report.

Random sampling of COVID-19 tests will resume at public places in the national capital such as Delhi Metro stations, bus stops, and markets amid the recent rise in new coronavirus cases.

"The gradual increase in the number of COVID-19 tests will again start from Monday and it will start showing from Tuesday’s bulletin. District administration will soon be formally directed to intensify the testing and tracking strategy," said an official, asking not to be named, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Also Read: Long Covid: Breathlessness, eye problem, muscle weakness, dementia most common symptoms

COVID-19 testing will be increased in the coming days, confirmed a government spokesperson, according to the Mint report. The health and revenue departments will come out with a plan in the next two-three days.

''The Delhi government never reduced its testing capacity. We still have one of the highest COVID-19 testing capacities compared to any other state or city with similar population size as ours or even more. Delhi has a capacity to test at least one lakh samples every day and if needed, it can be increased to three lakh too. But, that much is not needed as of now since the situation is very much under control," said the spokesperson.

With 1,150 people testing positive for COVID-19 in a day, India's total tally rose to 4,30,42,097, while the active cases increased to 11,558, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 5,21,751 with four fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.03 percent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 percent, the ministry said. An increase of 192 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.