These measures include increasing testing capacities in laboratories for Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests and outsourcing tests to private laboratories.

Other measures include using Antigen Rapid Test Kits (RTK-Ag) to detect Covid-19 faster and in larger numbers, as well as testing for the virus using saliva samples which is much easier and faster.

Noor Hisham’s remarks come amid calls for mass testing, particularly in Covid-19 hotspots, following the steep rise in cases and deaths in recent weeks.

In a statement, Noor Hisham said since the start of the year, a total of 8.5 million Covid-19 tests were carried out, with the number of tests increasing in recent weeks.

On average, some 63,925 tests were carried out daily between May 7 and May 13, the statement said. The weekly average of samples tested between the 15th and 18th week of the year (April 12 to May 9) was 483,518, an increase of 23.6% from the weekly average of 369,456 tests in the previous month.

He added all laboratories which carry out Covid-19 tests are required to input the test results into a centralised system which can be accessed by district health offices and the health ministry.

“The public are reminded to continue adhering to SOPs, especially during the movement control order.”

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