Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa People’s Voices COVID-19 Response, an umbrella organisation of individuals and groups has urged the State government to increase the amount of testing done for COVID-19 in Goa and alleged that the testing level in the present circumstance is inadequate.
“Testing for COVID-19 has emerged as a clear prerequisite in tackling the COVID-19 epidemic in Goa. Unless we test more, we will not know whom to isolate and treat, and whom to quarantine and monitor. Testing is the key to move forward in a safe and informed manner. What has been troubling us is that the testing for the virus has been woefully inadequate as per the norms of ICMR or WHO,” the forum stated in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Chief Secretary and Health Director.
They added that the testing capacity needs to be improved by increasing testing labs, deployment of technicians and training them. “We need to procure adequate RDK (Rapid Diagnostic Kits) and utilise them strategically. We request you to urgently ramp up testing facilities rapidly to prevent an outbreak after restrictions are lifted and the tourism sector, a crucial sector for Goa, is opened up again,” it further stated.
The forum also listed down specific testing measures that need to be undertaken as Goa is a tourist destination. “If implemented it will not only control the epidemic, and improve the health of people in Goa, but also instill confidence among future tourists and help in restarting and boosting the tourism industry as well as the State economy,” they added.
