Research institutions and laboratories in the country can now prepare testing kits locally
ISLAMABAD: As the Covid-19 situation in the country intensifies, restrictions and regulations are getting tougher. The most affected areas are slowly being put under lockdown while the whole country is strictly asked to maintain social distancing as mass gathering have been prohibited. There are many people that are rebelling against these regulations due to which the spread has rapidly increased in the past few days. To make matters worse, the country lacks the capability and resources of testing the virus.
According to recent statistics, only about 61,000 tests have been conducted out which 5,150 cases have been reported positive. This means that one out of every 12 persons is affected with this deadly virus. In a recent report, the National Institute of Health ensured that the testing potential will be enhanced to 25,000 per day by the end of April.
Research institutions and laboratories in the country can now prepare testing kits locally. In the next few days it is possible that the country will be in a position to further enhance the capacity of testing, if these institutions are given resources and work around the clock. It is only after a significant number of tests are conducted that we will be able to know what the real situation regarding the spread is in the country.
Maryam Safdar
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2020.
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