With over 1,606 fresh coronavirus cases reported on Tuesday, the total number of people infected with Covid-19 reached 1,15,346 till now in the national Capital.
At least 93,236 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far, while a number of active cases stood at 18,664, as per the health bulletin released by the Delhi Government.
Rapid-antigen tests started in the city on June 18. Since then a total of 7,13,908 tests through the RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and rapid-antigen methods have been conducted in Delhi with around 5650 (RT-PCR) tests conducted on Tuesday.
An advisory has been issued on Tuesday with an illustrative list of interventions involving end- to- end in hospital management of Covid-19 patients for necessary action in the context of a particular health care facility to ensure quality patient care services.
The helpline numbers can be contacted on 1031, 1800-111-747, 22391014, 22301028, 22302441, 22307133, 22304568, 22307745, 22307135, 22307145, 22300012 and 22300036.
According to health authorities, rapid-antigen testing is an easy and cheaper method as compared to the RT-PCR test. Each testing kit costs Rs 450 and can provide results within 30 minutes as compared to RT-PCR test that takes three to four hours.
The kits, called Standard Q Covid-19 Ag detection, have been developed by South Korean company SD Biosensor. The testing method involves looking for antibodies which are produced when the body is exposed to a pathogen.
If a person has antibodies associated with novel coronavirus, it means the person is either Covid-19 positive or has recovered.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, suspected individuals who test negative for Covid-19 in rapid-antigen test should undergo RT-PCR to rule out the infection. Rapid-antigen testing requires a prescription and an ICMR form filled by a registered doctor, and a Government identity proof, same as that for RT-PCR test.
