"We have kits that could last for 6 weeks. Now we have received another instalment of RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) test kits to cover ourselves for a pretty long period of time," the ICMR official said, adding that we have ordered 33 lakh kits for RT-PCR and 37 lakh rapid kits are expected at any time now.

As per sources, the ICMR is expecting to receive their next batch of testing kits consignment by the end of this month.

The ICMR official further said that total 2,31,902 tests have been conducted in the country. On Monday, 21,635 samples were tested for coronavirus, out of which 18, 644 samples were tested in government labs and 2,991 samples in private labs. However, the experts have raised their concern over low levels of testing. "The smaller number of COVID-19 cases in India in comparison to other badly hit western countries doesn't mean that we are a 'better' positive. The positive cases are lesser as we are not testing at the rate of other countries."