Goa: Active Covid tally drops, number of pending test results crosses 6,000

PANAJI: The state’s active Covid-19 tally dropped to 1,646 on Friday even as 190 new infections were detected, over 200 persons were declared cured and discharged, the highest single-day recovery figure since the pandemic began.
As the number of pending case reports grows higher every day, health secretary Nila Mohanan said that more samples are now collected due to the rise in cases. As of Friday, 6,227 test results were awaited.
“Naturally, pendency is on the rise, but we’re also taking all measures,” she said. “Our labs are working 24x7 and pending figures are closely being monitored.” She also said more areas being declared containment zones means more testing.
Also, since last week, messages are being sent through the Aarogya Setu app to people to come forward for testing. Additionally, the sample load has risen since travellers to Goa are also being tested.
On average, the state does 2,600-2,700 tests a day, and there are days when that figure touches 3,000, she said. “Testing capacity has been enhanced and one more machine has been bought for the South Goa district hospital,” she said, adding that approvals are in process for procuring two machines for the Ponda sub-district hospital.
While the number of cases goes up every day, Mohanan said that the government doesn’t have any immediate plans of opening another Covid hospital since occupancy at the ESI-Covid hospital in Margao remains at under 50%. “There is a plan for the future, but right now, we don’t need it,” she said.
Last week, the state government issued a directive to private hospitals with ICU facilities to reserve 20% of their beds for Covid patients. Mohanan said that one hospital has done so, and that compliance reports have been sought from others. Also, two private hospitals in the state have been granted permission to commence antigen testing.
Meanwhile, since the government has now allowed asymptomatic patients to quarantine themselves at home, Mohanan said that two applications for the same have been received. As per the government, for an asymptomatic patient to stay home, they must get permission from the collectorate on recommendation of the health officers concerned.
On Friday, the commercial capital of Margao saw 20 cases, taking its total up to 92. Other places that witnessed a rise in cases include Vasco, Panaji, Colvale, Aldona, Candolim, Siolim, Porvorim, Loutolim and Sanguem.