The Mamata Banerjee government has asked hospitals with special wards for SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) to conduct rapid antigen tests on patients as soon as they get admitted to identify and isolate Covid-19 positive patients at the earliest.

“This will help prevent spread of the disease and bring down the number of deaths in the state,” a senior government official said.

Sources said majority of the state-run hospitals in the districts and in the city have special SARI wards as part of the state government’s plans to deal with the spread of Covid-19.

The state has already identified more than 8,000 SARI patients through a statewide survey conducted by ASHA workers.

“They are being tracked continuously... But patients with respiratory complaints outside those who are being monitored are coming to the hospitals. As one of the major symptoms of Covid-19 is respiratory distress, we want to make sure that no Covid positive patient is kept at the SARI wards,” an official said.

Another official said that if a Covid positive patient admitted to the SARI ward was not identified at the earliest, it could trigger a spread of the disease.

“Those suffering from respiratory distress are most vulnerable to the virus. So isolating Covid positive patients from other patients suffering from respiratory distress is a must,” said a source.

While the RT-PCR test gives 100 per cent confirmation in identifying the status of a suspect, the rapid antigen test often gives 40 per cent false negative reports, a senior official said.

“Still, the rapid antigen test is recommended to identify positive patients in a short period. In case a suspect tests negative in the rapid antigen test, it is advised that he undergoes the RT-PCR test,” the official said.

The health department has also stated that once someone tests positive, he or she could be transferred to Covid hospitals from SARI wards. But no patient should be shifted in an unstable condition to prevent death during transit.