DC & CHAIRMAN DTF KOHIMA INFORMS ON COVID-19 HOME TESTING USING RAT KITS

The Deputy Commissioner & Chairman DTF Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie NCS has informed all concerned that the Advisory issued by ICMR Dated 19.05.2021 is to be strictly adhered to while performing COVID-19 Home Testing using Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits. All individuals who test positive may be considered as true positives and no repeat testing is required. All individuals who test positive are to report to the District Surveillance Officer, Kohima at 6909937493/ 9402823462 and are advised to follow home isolation and care as per the ICMR & Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) protocol which can be accessed at: htps://www.icmr.gov.in/chomecare.html. 

All symptomatic individuals who test negative by RAT should get themselves immediately tested by RTPCR. This is especially important as the RATs are likely to miss few positive cases presenting with a low viral load. All RAT negative symptomatic individuals may be treated as suspect COVID-19 cases and are advised to follow the ICMR/MoH&FW home isolation protocol while awaiting the RTPCR test result. All results may be interpreted as per the protocol laid down by the manufacturer in the user manual.

Any action (s) in contravention with the above stated guidelines shall deem to have committed an offence punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

(DPRO, Kohima)