Can collect up to 3,000 samples for Covid-19 testing per day, says Abdul Hameed.

The lead member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) made the statement in an interview on RaajjeTV’s Covid-19 coverage on Sunday night.

Noting that they can currently collect 250 to 300 samples per day currently, Hameed said that this will be increased three times in the next six days and then by another four times in the days after that.

The RRT member also stressed that the number of samples collected will increase when home quarantining starts and active surveillance increases, and added that they are currently discussing on the establishing designated areas for sample collection (sample collection booths).

Hameed said that details of this will be shared as soon a decision is reached.

The RRT member also revealed some difficulties during random sampling, especially on the roads.

As such, he said that members of the public tend to gather around when they are collecting samples on the roads and stressed that there are dangers of this as well. Noting that coughing and gagging is a reflex action during sample collection, Hameed said that while RRT members are suited for this that members of the public will not be and that this could lead to an infection being spread, if an individual does indeed test positive for the virus. Further, he said that gathering around a person during this process could made them nervous, and that this could lead to an unsuccessful sample collection.