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Coronavirus: The center earlier this week said its closure strategy was working (Representative)
Highlight
- The Center was previously testing only those related to foreign travel
- Earlier this month, the Center expanded its scope
- Rahul Gandhi said test levels in the country were “too low”
New Delhi:
The center on Thursday rejected Congressional leader Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the coronavirus testing rate in India is low, saying that as many as 24 people are being evaluated for a positive case, which is more than several developed countries.
“In countries like Japan, one of the 11.7 tests is positive, which is among the highest in the world. Italy tests 6.7 people for a positive test while the United States tests 5.3 people and the United Kingdom 3.4,” said the Dr. Raman of ICMR. R Gangakhedkar said at a press conference.
“Given its population base, it is difficult to comment on our evaluation rate. In India, we are conducting 24 tests, one of which is positive,” he added.
He said that since India has a large population and not all belong to vulnerable groups, the evidence ratio is not low.
Gandhi addressed the nation via video conference on Thursday, saying the shutdown announced last month to verify the growing number of coronavirus cases in India will not defeat the virus, which has killed more than 400 people in the country.
“In no way does a blockade defeat the virus. It only helps stop the virus for a short time. The only way to do this is to increase testing,” he said.
He also said that the test levels in the country were “too low”.
The center was previously testing only those that were linked to foreign travel. However, earlier this month, it expanded its scope. People present at critical points, whether connected to patients or not, will now be evaluated for symptoms of the disease.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a national shutdown last month to halt the growth of coronavirus cases. However, the number of cases and deaths is gradually increasing, but not as fast as in the United States and European countries.
Earlier this week, the center said its closure strategy was working and that if the closure had not been implemented, 8.2 lakh of people could have contracted the virus by April 15.
With PTI tickets
