While the number of daily Covid-19 cases has reduced by 27pc in one week, a national policy has been framed to initiate rapid antigen testing to detect coronavirus through a swift method under strict control.

Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) spokesperson Sajid Shah told Dawn that the number of cases was decreasing due to the closure of educational institutions and smart lockdowns in the virus hotspots.

Shah said the virus can be controlled if people started behaving responsibly and followed the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“Being a developing country, majority of families stay in one room during the winter season to keep themselves warm. Most of the labs are giving result tests in up to 72 hours, so chances of the virus transmission increases. That is why we are encouraging rapid tests as they will be helpful to isolate confirmed patients at the earliest,” he said replying to a question.

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