COVID19: Pending test reports leading to spread of virus, says Khaunte

Porvorim MLA and former IT Minister Rohan Khaunte has slammed the State government for delay in test results of COVID19 swab samples, which he says is leading to spread of the disease.
“Goa Government is falling short on giving prompt Covid test and the backlog is seemingly around 6000 and if that’s something to be alarmed of because it means the spread is going absolutely unchecked and the situation is unmanageable,” he said in his blog.
Khaunte wrote that taking into consideration the rapid increase in active cases, even if 25% of these pending results turn positive then the State is staring at an uncontrollable spread since by the time the results are out, these candidates would have contributed to a multiplied spread of the virus in their contact circle.
“This perilous scenario is a results due to two factors:- The foolish “Bhivpachi Garaj Na” attitude of CMOs that’s kept the Government mechanisms in absolute lethargy despite warnings for preparedness of spike from various credible sectors including elected representatives like me. Shortage of testing kits and trained staff, this again because of the Governments utter failure to anticipate and be prepared with standby staff, ample testing facilities, medications, beds etc,” he says.
On testing, he says, it’s very pertinent to understand that the effectiveness of testing depends upon proper methodology, optimal storage & speedy check of samples within a specified time frame.
“For getting clearly indicative results from Antigen testing, the procedure needs to be correct as it involves taking nasopharyngeal sample from a part behind the nasal cavity in the upper throat area. Further on, the samples need to be kept at an optimal temperature range,” he adds.
He goes on to say that if the sample is not taken correctly or stored properly, the results will always be negative even though the candidate might be actually positive.
“This is akin to actually contributing to the level of spread and more seriously, abetting the spread due to wrong results,” he says.
He adds, “Thus the daily figures given to the media are also distorted and don’t project the actual spread. And, of course, it’s common knowledge that the BJP agenda is to suppress the real Covid status for obvious reasons. It’s when people get the reality status that they will become more self vigilant and act responsibly and understand that after 42 deaths, 1600+ active cases & 6000+ results pending.”
Khaunte says downplaying facts and figures to curtail panic is not the strategy to tackle a pandemic.
“I hope now atleast better sense prevails and necessary corrections are done before it’s too late,” he says.