Initial testing

 Initially, the labs tested samples only from those with a travel history to 12 countries designated as high-risk, or those who had come in contact with anyone testing positive for the coronavirus, or showing symptoms as per the government guidelines. On 20 March, the government decided to also include all pneumonia cases, regardless of travel or contact history after the country saw a sharp increase in the number of cases. The first and second confirmatory tests for the virus has been made free by the government. On 9 April, ICMR further revised the testing strategy and allowed testing of the people showing symptoms for a week in the hotspot areas of the country, regardless of travel history or local contact to a patient.

The Ministry of Health said that only 10 per cent of test capacity had been used per day till 15 March, claiming that the number of tests was enough. However experts thought they were not, saying that community transmission may go undetected without adequate testing. They also wanted to add more testing centres by including private laboratories. In mid-March the government authorised accredited private labs to test for the virus.