Kerala shifts to TPR-based testing to tackle third wave of COVID-19

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has begun the test positivity rate (TPR)-based COVID-19 testing strategy in every local body to avoid the possible third wave. The authorities are directed to increase testing by conducting special drives and campaigns which involve laboratories. The state switched to the lockdown restrictions based on TPR but the second wave is not yet over.

The Department of Health, Government of India, has set a target of 1.5 lakhs tests per day in the state. According to the guidelines issued by Rajan N Khobragade, Health Secretary, Government of Kerala, the Local Self Governments (LSGs) will target a 30 per cent seven-day average TPR should be ten times the number of cases reported there in the last three days.

In those LSGs where the seven-day TPR is less than 2 per cent, RT-PCR pooled testing will be conducted and five samples will be included in one pool. The target will be five times the number of cases reported in the last three days. The local team has been constituted and directed to analyse the situation and give particulate testing targets for each panchayat or ward.