Consider anti-body based blood tests for COVID-19: HC to govt
Justice A S Chandurkar was hearing petitions filed bySubhash Zanwar and others which raised concerns about theauthorities' preparedness to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
A suggestion was made during the hearing that anti-body based tests which can be conducted within ten minutesshould be used to screen people.
"It would be necessary for the Ministry of Health andSocial Welfare through its Secretary to consider whether therapid anti-body test could be directed to be conductedespecially keeping in view the short time required forindicating the result of such test," the court said in itsorder.
"Similarly the strategy for use of this test andespecially the aspect of home isolation as an alternative tohospital treatment is also a relevant aspect to be taken intoconsideration.
"This would enable easing of the pressure onhospitals at this crucial time," Justice Chandurkar said.
The court said it would hear the matter further onApril 20.
The court also directed the Nagpur Collector as wellthe municipal commissioner to consider making face maskscompulsory in public places.
The Collector informed the court through an affidavitthat separate isolation wards have been set up in the NagpurCentral Jail.
Forty-one shelter homes have been set up in ruralareas of Nagpur with capacity to house 4,990 migrant workers,the affidavit said.
The high court was also informed that 30 persons whohad visited Nizamuddin area in Delhi where a congregation ofTablighi Jamaat took place last month have been quarantined inthe district. CLS SPKRK KRK