Inadequate testing behind low fresh-COVID positive cases: Doctors

COVID-19 SURGE

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Many senior doctors, working in both government and private hospitals, have expressed the apprehension that the State is recording nominal fresh COVID-19 positive cases due to the low rate of testing.

On March 29, of the 7,113 COVID tests conducted across the State, 40 positive cases were detected. In between March 1 to 22, 2021, the State has been recording 15 to 30 positive cases every day. On March 23, there were 52 positive cases followed by 41 on March 24 and 40 on March 25. During this period, 14,000 to 15,000 COVID tests (on the average) were carried out.

"So, testing of samples is very low. If it is increased the number of fresh COVID-19 positive might take a sharp rise. Without adequate number of testing, we cannot say that the State is safe from the virus infection. Testing is a must to detect fresh cases as many patients remain asymptomatic," said a senior doctor at the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital.

The doctor further stated that the ensuing elections and campaigning have created a total chaos among the masses on adherence to the COVID-safety protocols. Political parties have also dumped COVID-safety protocols during the ongoing campaigning, he pointed out.

"The administration seems to be clueless. A massive number of people on Monday gathered at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati to celebrate Holi. This is a dangerous sign and may prove quite disastrous," said the doctor, adding that there is a possibility of a fresh wave of COVID-positive cases soon after the three-phased Assembly election is over on April 6.

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