At the beginning of this year when the third wave of COVID-19 hit the city, thousands of Mumbaikars opted for self-testing. However, in December, not even 200 people used kits to diagnose themselves. Of these, only 1.2 per cent tested positive for the virus. According to experts, people are more confident about recovering from COVID.  Self-testing kits are easily available in chemist shops.

While many people were using these kits during the third wave, very few were reporting the results to government officials. In light of this, the state government directed manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to provide daily updates on the sale of kits to keep track of buyers and their status.