After the second wave of Covid-19 hit Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh will now run a 15-day “focused testing" campaign from March 13 to 27 in view of the Holi Festival.

The drive is focused on testing migrant workers and persons for Covid-19 who coming back to the state from other states.

Those persons returning from states with a high rate of infection, people who sell colors and water guns, those working in restaurants and dhabas (eateries), and also those involved in the liquor and bhang shops would be the main target.

According to the UP Additional Chief Secretary of Health, Amit Mohan Prasad, the prime objective of this sampling schedule will be to spot Covid positive people from amongst the migrant workers and visitors from other states.

"Coronavirus is spreading its foot again in many states of the country. It is believed that this infection will spread even more in Holi. That is why UP has made strict rules for people coming from other states. The focused sampling program will cover people returning from other states, marked by a considerable virus spread," he said.

Also, retailers of colours and water guns, workers at roadside eateries, dhabas and the owners, employees at alcohol and bhang shops will also be tested during the same time, he added.

Focus testing campaign in state from March 13 to 27
Speaking to India Today, UP Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh said that people coming from more infected states will be investigated. The government has asked to conduct a focus testing campaign in the state from March 13 to March 27.