A viral audio file doing the rounds on social media and WhatsApp says that home remedies must be immediately resorted to if covid-19 symptoms appear. The voice in the file is that of a Telugu-speaking doctor (purportedly).

"It's observed that the new strain of coronavirus is causing fever, headache and such symptoms in individuals. RT-PCR test results are getting delayed by 2-3 days. By then, there is a risk of the infection reaching the lungs. Therefore, it's important to go for a rapid antigen test in the interim. For coronavirus symptoms, basic medication such as steam inhalation is helpful," the doctor says.

Most hospitals are not admitting patients without a test result. RT-PCR test results are taking up to 72 hours. 

There is an increasing demand to ramp up testing in the country. Testing numbers are the same as they were in last October. It's said that most of the States have failed in getting their act together ahead of the second wave. As a result, the system is suffering a big deal.