Lack of VTM kit delaying swab collection

Lack of the Viral Transport Media or VTM kit used for the collection of the throat and nasal swab for PCR testing of Corona Virus has hampered the testing work in Mahottari. As a result, swab collection has come to a halt in the district, according to senior public health director of the Health Office, Mahottari Girendra Kumar Jha.

So far, 3,605 swab samples have been collected in the district, of the 810 tested positive. Meanwhile, the result of 125 more is yet to be received.

Currently, 24 people including four women are in isolation for the treatment of Corona Virus. The number of people in the quarantine has gone down to 288 while those in-home quarantine has climbed to 317.

As of Saturday, 316 people have returned home after recovery from the district hospital.

Due to the open border with neighboring India, the risk of Corona Virus infection continues to exist and hence VTM is essential to continue the testing, Jha said.