PUNE: An average of 49.4% of all Covid tests are now being carried out via RT-PCR in Maharashtra, more than 20 days after the state decided to rely solely on RT-PCR testing to decide weekly positivity rates of districts.
State officials said the RT-PCR share went up after existing labs were asked to do more tests — by working in three shifts. Officials also deployed more vans to transport samples from rural parts to city centres.
“With over 250 RT-PCR-capable labs, the state never had a shortage of capacity. Earlier, there was a dip in testing at these labs,” a health official said.
Last month, only 41% of tests were RT-PCR, as most districts deployed rapid antigen tests.
