COVID-19: Insufficient sample tests put the lives at risk

Amaravati: Minimal testing of the Coronavirus cases put the lives of the entire people at risk in Andhra Pradesh. The government tested only 135 samples so far, despite having three confirmed cases in the State.

The Health and Medical department has been collecting the samples of only suspected patients, who develop symptoms. It would not be sufficient enough to prevent the disease, according to the experts' advice.

Though nearly 10,000 people returned from various countries to the State in the last couple of months, the government was able to trace about 8,000 to 9,000 people. It is a rough estimation based on the statements of the ministers on various occasions.

The world statistics on Coronavirus spread emphasises the need for early detection, screening, quarantine, testing, containment and prevention of the disease. But, in the case of action being initiated by the State government has been creating fears among the people.

According to the official bulletin issued by the AP Health Medical and Family Welfare department, the government tested only 135 samples. Out of them, 3 Coronavirus positive cases recorded, 108 tested negative and waiting for 24 tests results.

At the same time, the state government identified 1006 for observation as on Saturday morning. Out of them, 259 suspects completed 28 days of quarantine observation. 711 people are under home isolation and the remaining 36 are under hospital admission.

In fact, the government did a house to house survey by employing the Village and Ward Volunteers, Asha Workers and other health staff across the state, covering nearly 1.33 cr households. During that survey, the government identified the foreign returns, particularly those who have travel history to Italy. The foreign returnees were advised to stay at home for 14 days and their health status is being monitored for 28 days.

Still, the recent experiences in various countries warn the governments to intensify laboratory tests of samples. Mere interaction with the suspected people will not give confirmation on the disease status and it needed laboratory testing.

By the time the government comes to know that someone is affected with the COVID19, there is every chance to spread the virus by the patient in his respective area. At this juncture, the sample collection and testing of all people residing in and around the area will help in better understanding and preventing the spread of the virus.

The World Health Organization also emphasised on the intensive laboratory test of samples, when a positive case is detected.

A case study:

A small town Vo in the region of Veneto in Italy, which is coronavirus red, proved to test and to retest of all the residents in the town helped in the containment of the spread of the virus. According to the media reports from Italy, the town authorities have tested samples of all the residents irrespective of their symptoms. After that, those who exhibited the positive test were put in the house quarantine and thereby able to contain the spread of new disease.