Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy underwent the COVID-19 test on Friday using the newly acquired rapid test kits from South Korea. Reddy has tested negative.
COVID-19 command control centre state coordinator Dr K Rambabu said that the CM took the test to convey a message to people that the tests are very simple and nothing to be afraid about. All that the test required is just one drop of blood, he said.
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Reddy’s message comes at a time when health officials suspect that several people are still not coming forward to take the virus tests. A vast majority of the state’s 572 positive cases (as of Friday morning) are connected to the Jamaat Tablighi’s Delhi Markaz event.
The state has recorded 14 COVID-19 deaths till now, while the discharged are 35.
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The AP government has acquired one lakh rapid test kits from South Korea to intensify and improve the tests drive to control COVID-19 in the state. Dr Rambabu said that the rapid test kits would help increase the tests rate in the containment zones. He said that patients showing COVID-19 symptoms need not fear as the government has ensured quality medical care, including single rooms, at the COVID-19 hospitals and quarantine centres.