The last few months have been a miserable existence for everyone on the planet. Even the wealthiest of the wealthy were unable to withstand the terrible coronavirus that had befallen us. India, a developing country, was featured as well.
India was able to retain the first wave quite well. The second wave, on either hand, pulled India apart. Nonetheless, the number of instances has decreased and returned to normal. However, we must keep in mind that new cases are being uncovered daily.
Recently a new strain has been discovered. According to India Times, the third wave of Covid has already started in India. As a result, the RT-PCR test will be necessary to combat the worrying situation of rising cases. For detecting COVID-19, RT-PCR is considered the gold standard. It is still one of the clearest and precise COVID-19 lab procedures known.
RT-PCR Test – Why is it considered the gold standard?
The COVID-19 RT-PCR Test is a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test for detecting nucleic acid from SARS-cov-2 in nasopharyngeal/ oropharyngeal swab specimens from those who have been afflicted with COVID-19. It is a laboratory technique that involves reverse transcription (RT) of viral RNA into DNA.
A sample is taken from the body where the COVID-19 virus gathers, such as the nose/ throat. The sample is subjected to a series of chemicals that remove substances such as fats while extracting only the RNA present in the sample. This extracted RNA contains both the person’s genetic material and, if present, the virus’s RNA. A specific enzyme is used to reverse transcribe the RNA to DNA. Scientists then support the transcribed viral DNA with additional DNA that is complementary to specific parts of the viral DNA. If the virus is present in the sample, these fragments bind to specific sections of the viral DNA. Some of the added genetic fragments are used during amplification to build DNA strands, while others are used to build the DNA and add marker labels to the strands, which are then used to detect the virus. Real-time RT–PCR is a sensitive technique that employs specialized equipment to offer a proper diagnosis. The test results are highly confirmatory considering two tests are conducted before reporting, the first at the time of screening and the second at the time of reporting. One of the most efficient and accurate laboratory methods for COVID-19 detection is this COVID-19 RT-PCR test. As a result, it is regarded as the gold standard.
RT-PCR test price Mumbai
The new RT PCR test price in Mumbai is Rs 500, Rs 600, and Rs 800, respectively. A fee of Rs 500 would be charged for providing samples at the collection center. According to a report by MINT, the same test in a COVID Care Centre or a quarantine center will cost Rs 600, and the labs can charge Rs 800 to collect the sample from home.
Initially, the cost of an RT-PCR test in the state was Rs 4,500, however, the state government reduced the cost from time to time to help people.
Many private companies have taken the initiative to support the people by providing them with cheap and affordable RT-PCR test prices in Mumbai. Thus, you can book your slot accordingly.
COVID protocols released by the Maharashtra government for this holiday season
- According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Covid precautions such as social distancing and wearing masks should be followed at all times, particularly when visiting holy sites.
- However, in addition to these rules, the BMC has stated that religious guests would be limited to 50% of the entire capacity of certain places of worship. For the venues to function, full compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures will be required
- The state administration had previously indicated that places of worship would open on October 7 but had granted local authorities, such as collectors and civic chiefs, the authority to choose the attendance limit at such venues based on variables such as size and ventilation.
Mumbai Airport Travel Guidelines Issued By Government
- All travelers departing from Mumbai must undergo thermal scanning.
- A negative RT-PCR report is necessary for all visitors entering Maharashtra within 48 hours of being in the state, a test should be performed.
- Passengers departing from Mumbai must either use the Aarogya Setu Mobile App or fill out a self-declaration form to validate their health status. Passengers who plan to leave Mumbai within seven days of arrival must be able to show proof of onward or return travel to qualify for quarantine exemption.
- Passengers arriving in Mumbai should be quarantined for at least 14 days at home. International travelers are subject to a 7-day institutional quarantine and a 7-day home quarantine if they do not have a negative RT-PCR report; otherwise, they are subject to 14-day home quarantine.
General Covid Guidelines Issued By The Maharashtra Government
- The BMC issued an order on Oct 4 to reopen all Mumbai schools for classes 8 to 12 with all Covid protocols in place. Each class should have a maximum of 50 students and each student should sit on a single bench, according to the guidelines. The majority of teachers should be vaccinated, and the school should be linked to a nearby Covid center. However, the education minister has stated that students may also choose to take online classes. If they want to attend physical classes, they must obtain written permission from their parents
- Only fully vaccinated people and have valid reasons for travel are permitted to travel on local trains. Vaccinated members of the general public are not yet permitted to travel on local trains.
- All online home deliveries of food and essential supplies (e-commerce) via all online service providers such as Zomato, Swiggy, and others are permitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- An E-pass is still required for inter-district travel by passengers in private cars, taxis, or buses if they are moving to or passing through, with a stoppage, a level 5 category location. Inter-district travel is now permitted without the use of an e-pass for levels 1–4.
- There will be no restrictions on government and private office operations, as well as funerals. However, gyms, shopping malls, and movie theatres will continue to operate at only 50% capacity from 22nd October.
- Under the revised ‘Break the Chain’ guidelines issued on Aug 11, all public gardens, playgrounds, chow patties, and beaches in Mumbai will now be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
