PUNE: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country’s apex biomedical research body has appointed Metropolis Healthcare Ltd to conduct the testing of COVID-19 at their lab in Pune. Speaking about the development, Chief Pathologist, Golwilkar Metropolis, Dr Manish Karekar, said, “We have already begun sample collection and testing. Please call our helpline number 020 41008200 for any queries regarding COVID-19 testing. We facilitate, home collection of samples.”
As per ICMR’s guidelines, Metropolis will test people with travel history and symptoms, and the people who were in direct contact with positive cases. Testing will only be undertaken upon the prescription of a certified doctor and upon producing govt ID.
All COVID – 19 reports are released within 24 hours. All positive test results are notified to the ICMR immediately. “Our technicians will be equipped with full protective gear, masks and goggles to ensure the safety of the technician and our lab personnel,” added Karekar.
As of early Thursday, 649 people have been infected in India with 13 fatalities. Globally, the death toll has crossed 4,70,000 with over 21,000 deaths.
