Covid 19 testings in Kerala will be increased, govt has decided to install testing kiosks in public places

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Government has decided to increase Covid-19 testings in the state. Government has also asked the authorities concerned to install Covid 19 testing KIOSKS in public places. The testing mechanisms to detect smell will be installed in KIOSKS in the first phase. In the second phase, facilities for Covid-19 test would be made available in the kiosks at a fixed rate determined by the government.

Govt approved labs, ICMR approved labs and different hospital development panels can start KIOSKS after registering in a portal run by the government. District medical officer is the supervising authority of KIOSKs. Meanwhile, the health minister has allowed bystanders to assist those Covid-19 patients who require external assistance.

Health minister has given due directions to hospital superintendents as presently such restrictions are not imposed as part of Covid-19 protocol. The minister has also clarified that the hospital superintendents should put in place adequate facilities for the bystanders as per the directions of Covid-19 board.