Thane: Test results to be procured in 30 minutes with rapid testing

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has purchased approximately 1 lakh antigen kits to conduct testing for the coronavirus. As a consequence, the people in Thane can now get tested for COVID-19 in just 30 minutes. The kits will be available to the TMC in a couple of days.

According to sources, the Thane district, added 1,561 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total count to 31,850. With the addition of 36 deaths, including 15 in Thane city, the number of fatalities has risen to 1,019 in the district. Thane city alone has reported 338 new cases. The number of cases in Thane now stands at 8,506, followed by 6,427 in areas under Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had earlier directed the municipal administration to increase the number of tests for the coronavirus in order to curb the rising number of patients. Also, Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde in a recent meeting with the municipal administration had instructed to increase the number of tests. Accordingly, Thane Municipal Administration has procured 1 lakh 'COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Kits' as per the guidelines of the State Public Health Department. The kit is said to test the symptoms for coronavirus and produce the results in just 30 minutes. The citizens will not require a lab to get a swab test done through this kit.

Thane had earlier announced the implementation of lockdown from July 2 to July 12. In view of this lockdown, any non-essential activities are prohibited, along with the gathering of five or more people. The civic body has opined that this will help curb the ever-growing numbers. Maharashtra has already extended the lockdown in the state till July 31. Mumbai has witnessed an increased number of COVID-19 cases along with Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan Dombivali. Navi Mumbai had earlier implemented a lockdown in some areas a couple of days back.