Serological survey to analyse COVID-19 spread commences in Delhi

A serological survey to undertake a comprehensive analysis of spre of COVID-19 in Delhi commenced in some parts of city on Saturday with nearly 600 samples collected on first day amid a rise in number of coronavirus cases.

As part of survey, blood samples of 20,000 people will be tested to ascertain presence of anti-bodies, Union health ministry has said.

exercise will be jointly carried out by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Delhi government till July 10.

According to a Delhi government official, nearly 600 samples were collected on first day and more than 32 teams were on ground. survey will pick up pace from Sunday, official ded.

" serological survey has started from Saturday and will cover 20,000 people. survey is being conducted door to door and will reveal extent of coronavirus spre in Delhi," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in an online briefing.

His deputy Manish Sisodia echoed similar views.

"Sero Testing has been started from today in fight against Corona in Delhi. Under this, 20 thousand blood sample will be taken from all over Delhi. This test will prove to be very effective in Delhi government's campaign against Corona," he wrote on Twitter.

survey began in Central district on Saturday, officials said, ding that response from public was good and 450 blood samples were collected on first day itself. target was to collect 700 samples, officials said.

district has deployed 30 teams comprising accredited social health activists (ASHA) and laboratory technicians for collecting samples.

survey also began in Kewal Park area of rth Delhi, a rth district official said, ding that since it was first day, emphasis was on putting logistics to ground. response of people will be kwn in next two-three days. Nine teams have been formed to complete survey, official said.

In Southwest district, collection of samples commenced in some areas but will start in full swing from Sunday, an official said.

According to an official from East district, NCDC would train laboratory technicians on how to collect samples on Saturday and y are likely to commence exercise from Monday.

Similarly, in Souast district, survey did t start on Saturday as logistics were being worked out.

An official from rast district said survey will begin re from Monday.

In New Delhi district, survey will begin from Monday as laboratory technicians and workers are currently being trained.  

serological survey is part of a new COVID-19 response plan prepared by Delhi health department, in accordance with recommendations of a committee heed by NITI Aayog member V K Paul. committee comes under Union health ministry.

Serology (antibody) tests are largely used for surveillance among a community. y can be used on those who have alrey tested positive for COVID-19 or even those who are asymptomatic, and can reveal insights on immunity against coronavirus. 

national capital recorded 2,948 fresh coronavirus cases in last 24 hours, taking total case count past 80,000-mark, and 66 more deaths due to disease, authorities said on Saturday.

After June 22, it was first time that number of cases per day fell below 3,000-mark in city. 

number of COVID-19 patients w stands at 80,188 in national capital and death toll due to disease at 2,558, according to a latest Delhi health department bulletin.