Antigen and RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 to increase in Thane

While the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are not increasing in the state, officials, in a recently held meeting decided to increase the antigen and RT-PCR testing in Maharashtra’s Thane district. This decision was taken at a recently held meeting at the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), whereby discussion on Omicron variant was also held. Thane municipal commissioner, Dr Vipin Sharma, along with the officials from the COVID task force and state health department attended the meeting on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. 

Officials informed that the authorities would need to keep a check on the international passengers and make necessary arrangements including medical facilities, in case of emergency. Moreover, authorities from the transport department have been asked to ensure the testing process is conducted strictly at the bus stops across the city. Decisions have been taken to allow only fully vaccinated citizens in the buses. 

Special teams have been formed at Thane’s SATIS, Lokmanya Nagar, Wagle Estate and Kalwa depots, who have been asked to check commuters’ vaccination certificate on a mandatory basis. Only those who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to board the buses. In case of longer routes, buses will have to halt frequently at designated stops, where the certificates will be checked. Meanwhile, directives have been issued to make provisions for medical facilities and requirements like medicines, oxygen facilities, ventilators, etc. at the Parking Plaza Covid facility.

A report regarding the same was published in the Hindustan Times, which quoted Dr Vipin Sharma who said, “All Covid protocols have to be strictly implemented and moreover all those working in the major markets within the city should be vaccinated. All assistant commissioners have to conduct a ward-level meeting and ensure that those without masks are fined. As the number of people traveling through buses is increasing, the transport department should ensure only those fully vaccinated be allowed to travel by buses.”

 “Timely RT-PCR tests need to be conducted and if need be, the travellers should be quarantined. Meanwhile, their high-risk contacts should also be traced and monitored,” he added.