“Testing and treatment of COVID-19 is already available for free in public facilities. Now, more than 50 crore citizens, eligible under the health assurance scheme will be able to avail free testing through private labs and treatment for COVID-19 in empanelled hospitals,” it said in a statement.

The move comes in the wake of the country reporting 3072 COVID-19 cases including 75 deaths so far.The results of antibody tests similar to blood tests are available in 15-30 minutes.

“Although there is no evidence of widespread community transmission, 20 existing and 22 potential hotspots have been identified. The containment measures to break the cycle of transmission and clinical management of those affected would require large human resources,”