Agartala: While tests of samples for COVID-19 continues, Tripura has set a record by conducting 1,051 in state overcoming India’s average of 422 tests per million, said additional chief secretary SK Rakesh.
Speaking at a press conference, Rakesh said that the situation of Tripura is normal and the state has already conducted 4,451 tests and only two persons tested positive
On Sunday, a total of 247 tests were conducted and all came negative. As of now, we have already conducted 4,451 tests and except the two positive cases, all came out negative, Rakesh said.
“Tripura is conducting one of the highest numbers of tests in India with 1,100 tests against India’s average of 470 tests per million till Sunday,” Rakesh said.
He also said that although presently the state has zero cases, the threat is not yet over. People need to ensure social distancing to ensure there is no further spread of coronavirus. “We are already corona free since there are no active cases. We are expecting, except for two districts in the orange zone, the state would be under green zone,” Rakesh added.
He also said that a number of people from the state are stranded outside Tripura and discussion with the Centre is on to bring them back in the state. “The Centre has directed to allow the citizens to move from one state to other with mutual constant. So far, 167 persons from various parts of the country have returned to state. All of them have come from non-hotspot areas,” Rakesh said.
All state governments have started screening all the residents returning from other parts of the state and after testing, they have been advised to remain in home quarantine for the next 14 days.
“Whoever is entering from Churaibari, which is the only entry point since the railway and flights are closed are being screened by the health workers. People can travel by hiring vehicles at their own expenses,” the additional chief secretary said.
He also said that the rapid antibody testing has been stopped following the order of the Centre and ICMR.
“The ICMR has directed to stop the testing through rapid antibody testing kits and we have returned them to the Centre. The letter issued by the ICMR said that the states are advised not to use the kits and return them,” Rakesh added.
