MUMBAI: The BMC on Friday began testing its frontline workers with rapid antigen test kits. These workers have been on the forefront of the Covid-19 battle since March.
Till date, 2,332 civic staffers have tested positive. Of these, 1,202 have recovered, and 109 have succumbed to the infection. Looking at these numbers, the need for rapid antigen testing for staff was felt even more. These tests can provide a diagnosis in 15-30 minutes.
On Friday, antigen tests were conducted in five civic wards—F North (Wadala, Matunga and Sion), P North (Malad), H East (Bandra east, Kalina, Vakola), R South (Kandivali), S (Bhandup). Police staff was also tested in a few areas.
An official said essential service workers, who worked through lockdown, will be tested on a priority basis. Namely, those working with solid waste management, water works and maintenance department.
The civic body appointed six private labs to conduct testing—SRL, Infexan, Suburban, Krishna, LifeCare and Thyrocare. The labs were asked to form ten teams each to ensure testing of civic staff, and of citizens who visit civic clinics. Officials said they are aiming at an antigen testing capacity of around 2,500 per day, collectively by the six labs. The lab teams will be assigned to civic dispensaries and civic-run hospitals, and solid waste chowkies.
The BMC extended the scope of testing to civic ward-level staff only recently.
Till date, 2,332 civic staffers have tested positive. Of these, 1,202 have recovered, and 109 have succumbed to the infection. Looking at these numbers, the need for rapid antigen testing for staff was felt even more. These tests can provide a diagnosis in 15-30 minutes.
On Friday, antigen tests were conducted in five civic wards—F North (Wadala, Matunga and Sion), P North (Malad), H East (Bandra east, Kalina, Vakola), R South (Kandivali), S (Bhandup). Police staff was also tested in a few areas.
An official said essential service workers, who worked through lockdown, will be tested on a priority basis. Namely, those working with solid waste management, water works and maintenance department.
The civic body appointed six private labs to conduct testing—SRL, Infexan, Suburban, Krishna, LifeCare and Thyrocare. The labs were asked to form ten teams each to ensure testing of civic staff, and of citizens who visit civic clinics. Officials said they are aiming at an antigen testing capacity of around 2,500 per day, collectively by the six labs. The lab teams will be assigned to civic dispensaries and civic-run hospitals, and solid waste chowkies.
The BMC extended the scope of testing to civic ward-level staff only recently.
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