THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has issued an order declaring free antigen tests for determining COVID-19 for people in the BPL category. In the order signed by the Disaster Management Department principal secretary A Jayathilakan, directions are given to carry out antigen tests for BPL families with symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell, etc. Currently, private hospitals and labs charge for the antigen test. From now on, these private facilities will have to offer free tests for BPL cardholders.

All healthcare workers, ASHA workers, revenue, civil supplies, police and volunteers in the frontlines of containing the pandemic have also been asked to undergo rapid antigen tests at the district level.

The tests will be aimed at groups considered vulnerable, persons above the age of 60 years, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and malnourished children within the BPL category. Like this, 100 antigen tests should be carried out in each district per day with the help of private labs. Each test will be given Rs 625 from the disaster relief fund.