THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has made the RT-PCR test mandatory for those with Covid symptoms. If the result of the antigen test is negative, the RTPCR test should be done immediately. The health department says in a new guideline that swab samples should be taken simultaneously for both tests.

People with symptoms such as fever and chills should be subjected to RTPCR test even if the antigen test is negative. Two samples should be collected first itself as many are not willing for the RTPCR test. As per the health secretary's order, if the antigen test is negative, a second sample should be sent for the RTPCR test immediately.