Himachal announces measures to improve access and availability of testing
On 7th May, 2021 the Government of Himachal Pradesh issued a circular stating that the following measures are required to be adopted in order to optimize RTPCR testing-
RTPCR test must not be repeated in any individual who has tested positive once either by RAT or RTPCR
No testing is required for COVID-19 recovered individuals at the time of hospital discharge in accordance with the discharge policy
Measures to ramp up testing through RAT:
RAT may be allowed at all available Government and private healthcare facilities. The rates of COVID-19 testing in Private labs have been notified vide Notification no. NHMHP-lDSP/1/2020-IDSP-Section-NATlONAL HEALTH MISSION-HP-Part (3) 10145 dated December 2020.
Set up dedicated RAT booths in cities, towns and villages to offer testing to people. Testing booths may be set up at multiple locations including healthcare facilities, RWA, offices, schools, colleges, community centers and other available vacant spaces. Circular regarding walk in kiosks in various towns of Himachal Pradesh has been circulated vide no. NHMHP-1 DSPI1 /2020-IDSP-SectionNATIONAL HEALTH MISSION-HP-Part (1)-10038 dated 25th November 2020.
These booths can be made operational on a 24X7 basis to improve access and availability of testing.
Drive-through RAT testing facilities may be created at convenient locations as identified by local administration.
