Frequently Asked Questions on Covid19 Coronavirus

We are listing down the various resources shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on various social media platforms here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When to get tested for Covid -19?

You are not required to get tested for COVID-19 if you do not have any symptoms (Cough, fever or difficulty in breathing). If you have any of the symptoms and have traveled to any of the COVID-19 affected countries including Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain, Germany, UAE, etc or you are a contact of a laboratory-confirmed positive case, immediately call the State Helpline Number or Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India's 24*7 helpline 1075/011-2397 8046

The helpline service will note down your contact details and contact you with the testing protocols of COVID-19. If you qualify as a case for testing as per the protocol, you will be tested at a Government Approved Lab only.

A list of Government approved labs is available here. Currently, no private/private laboratory is authorized to test for COVID - 19.

When to wear a Mask?

Everyone need not wear a mask. Wear a mask only if

• You have symptoms (Cough, fever or difficulty in breathing)

• You are caring for a COVID -19 suspect/confirmed patient

• You are a health worker attending to patients with respiratory symptoms

How deadly is the Coronavirus?

Coronavirus has high infectivity but low mortality rates. Mortality rate range is low, around 2%. The risk of death is higher in older people (above the age of 65 years) and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Can a person infected with coronavirus recover completely and be no more infectious?

Yes. In fact, about 80% of people have recovered from the disease without needing special treatment.

Why can only designated labs test coronavirus? Why can't I get a home sample collection done for coronavirus testing?

It is because the virus is highly contagious and can only be tested by special labs equipped to handle such contagious pathogens. As of now, only labs with biosafety levels (BSL4) can handle the COVID-18 samples.