Question : COVID-19 Testing Rate

(a) the monthly average number of tests undertaken, since January 2021 to detect COVID-19 infections per 1000 persons, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether the Government has ascertained that the rate of testing per 1000 persons at present commensurate with testing levels in countries with similar number of active COVID-19 cases, if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government is tracking testing numbers at the district level and if so, average monthly report for last six months, district-wise, if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government has recommended any Standard Operating Procedure for States/UTs to lift COVID-19 health protocols; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the restrictions imposed and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR
(a)&(b):The World Health Organization’s document titled “Considerations for implementing andadjusting public health and social measures in the context of COVID-19: Interim Guidance” dated 14June 2021, states that the number of persons tested per 1000 population per week (averaged over a 2-week period) is a measure of public health response capacity, and 4+ is considered Adequate, 1-