KATHMANDU, Sep 13: The “Enough is Enough” campaign has requested the government to test all close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases immediately, and not observe the five days of waiting period before testing. 

Issuing a statement on Sunday, the campaign said forcing the elderly or people with underlying conditions to wait for days before being tested is inhumane. “As all contacts will stay in self-quarantine, a follow-up secondary test can be administered to anyone who shows symptoms,” reads the release.

The campaign has also requested laboratories to offer fast-track testing for those who need urgent tests, so that better clinical care can be provided and lives can be saved. “We are aware that labs have been instructed to provide this service, but still people have to wait for long to get their test reports,” the statement said.

The campaign also requested the government to test people returning from abroad through the PCR method. “Migrant workers and others who cannot afford testing must be given access to free PCR testing. All frontline workers should be tested on a scheduled routine,” said the campaign, adding that free or subsidized testing should not be provided to those who do not meet these criteria for testing.

 
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