Team Herald
PANJIM: In the wake of rising number of Covid-19 cases in Goa, the State government on Friday resumed in-patient testing across all State-run hospitals using antigen testing kits. The Covid-19 active tally in the State is almost 900.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that directions have been issued to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim, to activate the genome sequencing machine on the premises.
“We have also begun in-patient testing at government hospitals using antigen testing to keep the situation under control,” he said adding that RT-PCR tests are being conducted if necessary and genome sequencing is performed in accordance with protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“An emergency vaccination requirement is also provided, in case anyone needs a booster dose or for travel purposes,” he said.
The Minister further that the Goa government will conduct mock drills of hospital infrastructure on April 10 and 11, as per the Centre’s directives to review preparedness. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting during the day and advised states to stay alert and be prepared for Covid-19 management.
He stressed on identifying emergency hotspots by monitoring trends of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, ramping up testing and vaccination and ensuring readiness of hospital infrastructure.
