Corpn begins mass sample collection in a bid to increase testing in Chennai

Chennai

According to a Corporation source, the officials have started collecting the samples. “At the centres, resembling fever camps, we have been asked to collect samples from riders and passers-by to regulate number of samples tested every day,” the source said. The source added that officials were issued oral instructions and clarified that no formal order was given for the centres.

Members of the public have claimed that many have been asked to stop on the streets and taken to the centres to give samples. “A few days ago, I was riding my vehicle on Anna Salai near Saidapet, and suddenly the police stopped me and asked me to give samples at the camp nearby. I was not wearing a mask so I had to comply,” K Jeeva, a resident of Ashok Nagar said.

The civic body was collecting samples only from relatives of infected persons, their contacts, shop owners and travellers. At one point, officials even refused to take samples from family members if they showed no symptoms. Only symptomatic persons were tested.

“The testing strategy has changed during the complete lockdown and number of tests have been increased. At present, 12,000 samples are tested every day,” the source added.

Also, the civic body has converted sample collection centres into walk-in areas so that anyone could give their samples for testing.