Increase COVID-19 testing in rural parts: Maharashtra Minister

With coronavirus infection spreing to over 300 vills in Aurangab district of Maharashtra, state minister Subhash Desai has instructed authorities to increase testing in rural parts.

Industries Minister gave instructions during a COVID-19 review meeting held in district collector office here on Friday evening.

Desai, who is also district guardian minister, asked officials to enhance contact tracing of patients.

"At least 15 contacts of a positive patient should be traced. Besides, people should be tested before y enter vills," he said.

number of fever clinics in rural parts of district should be increased, Desai said, ding, "Use antigen kits if required." "Patients in rural areas should be treated at local level only so that stress on Aurangab city is reduced," minister said.

number of coronavirus cases in Aurangab district climbed to 18,259 after 292 persons tested positive on Friday, officials said.

death toll in district went up to 576 after four patients succumbed to infection, while 220 were discharged after recovery on Friday.

number of active cases in Aurangab is w 4,209, y said.