Over-reliance on antigen tests killing people in JK: Kadfeen


Srinagar, Aug 26 (KNS): Congress leader Kadfeen Choudhary said on Wednesday said it is deeply concerning that the decision of the government to implement rapid tests which are much less accurate and endangering peoples’ lives in droves.
He said Harvard's Dr. Michael Mina has said on record that antigen tests do not catch as many patients in the early stages of infection when virus levels are low. But these people are not considered the greatest threat to spreading the disease since it is only after virus levels surge that they become more infectious, and by then they will be identified by antigen tests.
Kadfeen said that as per government records of the total 33075 positive cases in J&K 5991 have been reported as travelers while 27084 as others.
He added out of 877836 test results available, 844761 samples have been tested as negative till August 24, 2020. Till date, 435205 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 43158 persons in-home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7246 in isolation and 41652 under home surveillance. Besides, said Kadfeen, 342525 persons have completed their surveillance period. “It is extremely worrisome that the government is relying on this testing method which is globally declared unreliable and far less accurate. It is high time that the government understands the gravity of the situation and takes remedial measures without any delay,” Kadfeen said. (KNS)
 

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