With the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday announced that rapid antigen testing for those arriving in the western state was now mandatory. Coronavirus patients who are asymptomatic can also opt for home-quarantine.
Known as Standard Q COVID-19 Ag detection kit, the antigen test can show results within 30 minutes as opposed to RT-PCR test that takes 3-4 hours. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) capped the price of antigen test kits at ₹450.
Earlier, Goa made swab testing compulsory for those coming from other states. They had to wait in state-run quarantine facilities till the report came. Those who refused to get tested had to go through a home-isolation for 14 days.