Maharashtra gets nod from Centre to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests

The Central government has given nod to Maharashtra to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests to expedite the detection of coronavirus cases, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday.

The state government will use blood samples instead of swabs in rapid tests for coronavirus detection, Tope said.

"The prime minister has informed us that the state can now carry out rapid tests for early detection of coronavirus cases. We will be using blood samples for the early detection of COVID-19 infection," Tope said.