The Ministry of Health says they have conducted 7918 COVID-19 tests, since the detection of the first case of coronavirus, in the country.
“The test is conducted in two different ways. One is called RT-PCR, in which test is conducted by collecting relevant samples from mouth and nose. And the second one is called Rapid Diagnostic Test kit. In this, blood samples are collected for the test,” said Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo, “ We have conducted about 1500 RT-PCR test so far and about 6389 people have been tested by using the Rapid diagnostic test kit.”
She also said many countries around the globe are practicing these testing methods. As per WHO’s guidelines RT-PCR test shall only be conducted if a person is confirmed of having tested positive for the disease.
On the other hand, Rapid Diagnostic Test is conducted to see whether an individual has been infected with the virus.
The Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji said as one of the best strategies to deal with the COVID-19 virus is by conducting large numbers of tests, the country is getting 100,000 additional test kits from abroad.
Dr Tandi said, “Once these test kits arrive, we will be using it to test individuals in quarantine and health workers with flu like symptoms.”
He said all people suffering from influenza and pneumonia in the country are being tested and the government also plans to test the relatives and contacts of these patients.
For now, with only 5 imported positive cases of COVID-19, Bhutan still remains in the Orange Zone with no community transmission.
Passang Dorji
