High positive cases despite low testing is bad news
A recent report in this daily shows that the coronavirus positivity rate in the country has soared in the last few days, despite a decline in the number of tests during this period. Frighteningly, the rate was 24.11 percent—the highest single-day positivity rate since the first case was detected on March 8, while the total number of infections in the country stood at 1,83,795 during the time of the report. The data gathered suggest that the transmission of the virus is declining in the urban zones but is on the rise in rural areas. These facts and figures hardly give us the true picture of the spread of the virus.
As we have repeated ad nauseum, without widespread testing, we will never be able to gauge the trend of the virus. It is deeply concerning that the number of Covid-19 tests has dropped significantly in recent weeks after the government imposed fees—Tk 200 (if samples are given to dedicated sample collection booths or public hospitals) and Tk 500 (if samples are collected from home)—on the tests from the beginning of this month. It is obvious that such a decision will surely be discouraging for the general public, especially the poor. At a time when it is crucial to conduct mass testing in every possible community, putting a price tag on it hardly seems wise. This means fewer people will get tested although the trend shows that more and more people are infected, resulting in infected individuals unknowingly spreading it to others. Unless people are tested and contact tracing is done with isolation and treatment for those who test positive, how the pandemic will be contained remains a mystery.
As we struggle with the worst public health crisis in the history of our nation, the government ought to boost up vigorous testing immediately—for free. It is important, moreover, that test reports are provided quickly so that appropriate actions can be taken. The government should identify hotspots, monitor the cases, systemically implement contact tracing and keep an accurate record of positive cases. Mass testing should continue uninterrupted. Better knowledge of the ground realities can guide us to take the most effective measures in tackling Covid-19.
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