Self-testing kits, which flew off shelves in January, are now largely being ignored, data shows
Only 1.2 per cent of those who used self-testing kids in December tested positive for the virus. File pic
At the beginning of this year when the third wave of COVID-19 hit the city, thousands of Mumbaikars opted for self-testing. However, in December, not even 200 people used kits to diagnose themselves. Of these, only 1.2 per cent tested positive for the virus. According to experts, people are more confident about recovering from COVID. Self-testing kits are easily available in chemist shops.
While many people were using these kits during the third wave, very few were reporting the results to government officials. In light of this, the state government directed manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to provide daily updates on the sale of kits to keep track of buyers and their status.
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According to the civic health department’s data in January 2022, when the third wave was at its peak, 72,732 people opted for self-testing out of which 3,661 (5 per cent) tested positive. In August, 2,677 people diagnosed themselves at home and 88 (16.5 per cent) tested positive. However, from September, not even a thousand people turned to the kits.
Also Read: Covid-19: Vaccination figures jump three-fold in Mumbai
Till December 27, only 169 people used these kits and only two of them tested positive.
COVID Task Force member Dr Rahul Pandit said, “Currently, the situation is not severe, so many people don’t even know if they are positive and do not bother to test themselves. However, I think a self-testing kit is a good option. If are positive, they can immediately isolate themselves. But it is also the responsibility of every individual using self-testing kits to upload their results and inform the authorities concerned and take the necessary precautions so they don’t infect others.”
Dr Gautam Bhansali, chest physician at Bombay Hospital and the coordinator of private hospitals and COVID centres, said, “After the third wave, the COVID figure has come down. The severity is very low due to which people are least concerned about doing home testing. I don’t think the variant will be a concern. There might be a small surge, but nothing to worry about because vaccination will help us to fight these variants.”
Dr Jalil Parkar, senior chest physician, department of pulmonary medicine, Lilavati Hospital, said, “The way our government has carried out the vaccination programme is commendable. Most people have taken the first and second doses and many have also taken the booster shot because of which they have good immunity. Thanks to the programme, people are now confident about themselves and this is why people are not doing testing themselves. Even the medical fraternity should not create hype because people get scared and take the wrong steps. Even if there is a surge, it will go down.”
He added that if a person feels unwell despite taking medicines, they should opt for testing after four to five days.
“If an individual has COVID symptoms for 48 hours, they must get tested,” said Dr Pandit.
Mandatory testing
Given the spread of COVID globally, the government has issued guidelines for airports and international flyers. International passengers travelling from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand must undergo RT-PCR tests before their departure from these countries and upload their COVID-negative report on the Air Suvidha portal from January 1. The test should have been conducted within 72 hours before undertaking the journey to India. However, children under 12 are exempted from post-arrival random testing. If anyone is found symptomatic on arrival or during the period of self-monitoring, they shall undergo testing and be treated as per protocols.
December figures
Date Tested Positive
21 5 0
22 19 0
23 13 0
24 6 0
25 8 0
26 1 0
27 9 0
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