National: For the first time in India, a record number of more than 9 Lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted in a single day. In the last 24 hours, the total number of tests conducted is 9,18,470 COVID-19. India is poised to see an exponential increase towards its resolve of testing 10 Lakh samples daily.
With this achievement, the cumulative tests are more than 3.25 Crore (3,26,61,252).
All across the country, there has been an expansion in the number of diagnostic labs. Also, to facilitate easy testing, the government has taken effective measures. This has given a substantial boost to the present numbers.
As a result of these focused actions, the Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 23668. The TPM continues to maintain a constant upward trend.
With constantly increasing testing numbers, there has been a commensurate fall in the positivity rate. A higher number of tests will push the positivity rate initially. However, as the experience from several states and UTs has amply depicted, it will eventually become low. This will be done by combining with other measures such as prompt isolation, effective tracking. Also, timely clinical management is very important.
The national average is now below 8 percent. There are 26 States and UTs that are reporting lower rates than the national average.
There is a steady rise in the national network of diagnostic labs too. With 977 labs in the government sector and 517 private labs, the lab infrastructure has been enhanced to 1494 labs on August 20.
These include:
• Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 764. Government: 453 and Private: 311.
• TrueNat based testing labs: 611. Government: 490 and Private: 121.
• CBNAAT based testing labs: 119. Government: 34 and Private: 85.