HYDERABAD: Telangana on Thursday recorded its highest single-day surge of 1,213 new Covid-19 cases and eight deaths. Meanwhile, four private laboratories down shutters after they failed to conform to government’s testing guidelines.
While the death toll rose to 275, Telangana’s overall caseload has jumped to 18,570, riding on the back of rising new cases.
State health authorities began their second round of inspections of private laboratories testing Covid-19 samples after investigations revealed they were not following the RT-PCR test in at least eight laboratories.
The eight labs were given a 48 hours by the state health department to take correctional measures and the ultimatum period ended on Wednesday night.
Among the ‘serious lapses’ that were asked to be corrected was lack of training of staff in conducting the RT- PCR test, maintaining proper records, intimating to the state health authorities about every positive report and quality control issues among others.
“Serious action will be taken against the laboratories that do not make the required changes. Few labs have voluntarily kept their shutters down to be able to finish the changes required. they will be assessed once they reopen,” said a senior official from the state health department.
Telangana also ramped up testing and carried out 5,356 tests on Thursday, raising the total number of tests done in the state to 98,158. Altogether, 350 beds were fitted with oxygen facility at King Koti hospital on Thursday.
Health authorities said there was a surge of cases from Mahbubnagar, Siricilla and Khammam.
On Thursday, 26 districts in the state recorded new cases, as Greater Hyderabad alone recorded 998 cases, while Ranga Reddy and Medchal together saw 100 new cases.
While the death toll rose to 275, Telangana’s overall caseload has jumped to 18,570, riding on the back of rising new cases.
State health authorities began their second round of inspections of private laboratories testing Covid-19 samples after investigations revealed they were not following the RT-PCR test in at least eight laboratories.
The eight labs were given a 48 hours by the state health department to take correctional measures and the ultimatum period ended on Wednesday night.
Among the ‘serious lapses’ that were asked to be corrected was lack of training of staff in conducting the RT- PCR test, maintaining proper records, intimating to the state health authorities about every positive report and quality control issues among others.
“Serious action will be taken against the laboratories that do not make the required changes. Few labs have voluntarily kept their shutters down to be able to finish the changes required. they will be assessed once they reopen,” said a senior official from the state health department.
Telangana also ramped up testing and carried out 5,356 tests on Thursday, raising the total number of tests done in the state to 98,158. Altogether, 350 beds were fitted with oxygen facility at King Koti hospital on Thursday.
Health authorities said there was a surge of cases from Mahbubnagar, Siricilla and Khammam.
On Thursday, 26 districts in the state recorded new cases, as Greater Hyderabad alone recorded 998 cases, while Ranga Reddy and Medchal together saw 100 new cases.
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