Health ministry advises optimum testing amid Covid Surge

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India has urged all states and Union Territories to maintain an optimal level of Covid-19 testing as cases across the country have gradually increased since mid-February. The ministry also noted that some states have been relying heavily on less effective rapid antigen tests and that testing levels are insufficient compared to WHO standards. The deputy general of the Indian Council of Medical Research has suggested monitoring seasonal influenza cases closely as the flu and Covid-19 share similarities. A countrywide mock drill will be conducted on April 10 and 11 to assess preparedness.