New Delhi: India has conducted a record 9,18,470 COVID-19 tests in a day. With the new tests, the cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in India have reached 3.26 crore. The COVID-19 positivity rate has fallen below eight per cent, the Union Health Ministry said. With constantly increasing testing numbers, there has been a commensurate fall in the positivity rate, the Health Ministry informed.
“Higher number of tests will push the positivity rate initially. However, as the experience from several states and UTs has amply depicted, it will eventually lower when combined with other measures. Among the measures are prompt isolation, effective tracking and timely clinical management,” the ministry said.
India for the first time conducted a record number of more than nine lakh COVID-19 tests in a span of 24-hours Wednesday. It is poised to see an exponential increase towards its resolve of testing 10 lakh samples daily.
The cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of coronavirus infection in the country has increased to 3,26,61,252.
Also read: Plan to increase COVID-19 tests to 10 lakh per day in 1-2 months: Harsh Vardhan
Expanded diagnostic lab network across India and effective measures to facilitate easy testing have boosted the numbers.
“As a result of these focussed actions, the Tests Per Million (TPM) have seen a sharp increase to 23,668. The TPM continues to maintain a constant upward trend,” the ministry said.
“The national average for COVID-19 infection stands at eight per cent. However, there are 26 states and UTs that are reporting lower rates than the national average,” the ministry informed.
There has been a steady rise in the national network of diagnostic labs too. With 977 labs in the government sector and 517 private labs, the lab infrastructure has gone up to 1,494 labs today (Thursday).
India’s COVID-19 caseload increased to 28,36,925 with a record single day spike of 69,652 infections. The death-toll climbed to 53,866 with 977 new fatalities being reported in a day.