(Image source from: ft.com)

WHO said that a global test for COVID-19 will be released that would dramatically expand the testing in the world as the result of the test would be out in minutes.

A COVID-19 test that could cost $5 will be released across the world by the WHO which would transform the tracking of the disease, especially in the poorer countries.

Several countries are already facing a shortage in the number of healthcare workers and laboratories to conduct the tests.

WHO has done a deal with the manufacturers which would provide 120 million tests in over 6 months.

WHO says that the lengthy gap between taking a test and getting the results has hampered many countries’ efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

In some countries including India and Mexico, a low testing rate has resulted in covering up the true spread of the virus.

This test will be a new, highly potent, and easy to use test that would provide the result in 15 minutes.

Drug manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor have signed a deal with the Melinda Gates Foundation to produce 120 million of these test kits.

This deal also covers 133 countries including Latin America which is the hardest hit region in terms of fatality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This test kit would be a vital addition to the world especially in the areas and states of high transmission.

Here are some of the other developments across the world amid COVID-19:

●    The Netherlands has come up with new rules which say it is mandatory for only 3 people to meet at a time and the restaurants and bars should be closed by 10 pm.

●    One million residents in Madrid, Spain will not be allowed to move outside except for schools or for work places.

●    Hotel quarantine system in Australia was responsible for the deaths of 768 people and the new infections of 14,000 plus.

●    India’s COVID-19 cases have crossed 6 million and experts believe that the case load might increase amid the festive season from next month.

●    In Kenya, Pubs have been allowed to reopen from Monday, six months after they were shut because of the pandemic.

●    There are fears of a COVID-19 surge in 21 states in the US due to the Autumn season and these states make up half of the country’s COVID-19 case load.

●    The G20 summit which is scheduled to be held in November will be held virtually. The news was confirmed by the authorities of Saudi Arabia.

- By Gayatri Yellayi