MUMBAI: Even though Mumbai and Delhi have about the same positivity rate, civic officials here said Monday that the city does not require to increase its daily number of Covid-19 tests as in the national capital, which is witnessing a new one. wave of infection.
The testing strategies between the two cities also differ, the officials said, noting that while Delhi has adopted random testing methods, Mumbai is targeting those showing symptoms or suspected of having been in contact with Covid patients. 19.
They said that Mumbai is currently recording fewer than 1,000 daily cases, while Delhi is witnessing a third wave with more than 6,000-7,000 coronavirus cases in a single day.
This is probably because Mumbai followed a more cautious unlocking strategy, in which its lifeline, suburban trains, is still banned for most commuters more than eight months later, contrary to the “liberal attitude. “From Delhi towards easing the sidewalks, said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials.
Also, unlike the higher proportion of rapid antigen tests conducted in Delhi, Mumbai has relied heavily on RT-PCR tests that are time-consuming but considered more accurate, they said.
Suresh Kakani, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC, said that they are currently running more than 10,000 tests per day, mainly RT-PCR, and have adopted a targeted testing strategy.
“We have been doing targeted testing rather than random testing from the beginning.
“We are testing those who have symptoms similar to Covid-19 and those who are exposed to the virus (such as healthcare workers and transportation personnel),” Kakani said.
Kakani said that they have set up at least 10 free testing centers in each of the 24 civic districts and that people also have the option of undergoing tests in private laboratories.
“We cannot force people to undergo tests for Covid-19 unless they have any symptoms or are exposed to the virus,” he said.
Mumbai has seen 16.85,287 Covid-19 tests so far compared to 49.91,585 tests conducted in Delhi, according to the BMC panel.
While rapid antigen tests (RATs) detect viral protein, RT-PCR tests detect viral RNA or its genetic material. Low-cost RATs give results in 30 minutes. RT-PCR tests are more expensive and time consuming than antigen tests.
Mumbai has so far recorded a count of 2,69,130 cases, while 10,555 patients have succumbed to the infection. On the other hand, Delhi has recorded 4,85,405 infections and 8,900 deaths so far (as of Nov 15).
According to the BMC dashboard, Mumbai has 1,29,562 per million tests, while Delhi has 2,62,715, but both cities have a 15 percent positivity rate.
Dr Rahul Pandit, member of the Maharashtra government appointed Covid-19 task force, Delhi has performed over 21,000 tests per day, of which over 50% are antigens and the remainder RT-PCR.
Mumbai has focused primarily on RT-PCR testing, he said.
“The tests are based on the positivity rate and the important thing is to do RT-PCR tests, which is the gold standard.
“RT-PCR should be the general rule, while antigen should be reserved for people with very typical Covid-19 symptoms. If they are negative for the antigen, then RT-PCR should be repeated on them,” Pandit said.
Dr Shashank Joshi, another member of the Covid-19 task force, said that at present, Mumbai daily count has declined after witnessing a major peak in May and a minor peak in September, while Delhi is witnessing its third peak.
“There has been an increase in cases in Delhi compared to Mumbai, as the national capital has a severe winter and high levels of pollution,” Joshi said.
The gradual unlocking process has also been helpful for finance capital, he said.
Joshi said that although the number of tests conducted in Mumbai is less compared to Delhi, overall Covid-19 cases are also low in the western metropolis.
However, Joshi warned of the possibility of an increase in Covid-19 cases in Mumbai in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
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