All cases of fever, body ache to be tested for Covid: Centre writes to states

The Union Health Ministry and the Indian Council of Medical Research on Friday wrote to all states and Union territories asking them to increase rapid antigen testing method for detecting novel coronavirus. The letter said confirming infections via RT-PCR would lead to delays due increase in number of cases.

States have been asked to set up round the clock functional rapid antigen testing booths at different locations, engage medical and paramedical staff, and encourage the use of home test kits.

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The health ministry has also directed that any individual presenting with fever with/without cough, headache, sore throat, breathlessness, body ache, the recent loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and diarrhea should be considered as a suspect case of Covid-19 unless proven otherwise.