New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS): In its big announcement amid the Covid crisis, the Delhi government on Monday reduced the cost of the RT-PCR test to Rs 800 from Rs 2,400 to ensure that maximum people can avail the much reliable testing facility being provide to people infected with the deadly disease.

The announcement comes a few hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he has given directions to reduce the RT-PCR test rates.

In a tweet, Kejriwal said: "I have directed that the rates of RT-PCR tests be reduced in Delhi. Whereas tests are being conducted free of cost in government establishments, however this will help those who get their tests done in private labs."

The move seems to have been taken to increase Covid testing in Delhi which has been going through the "third wave" of the disease with recent reports of 4,906 fresh cases in 24 hours on Sunday after 64,186 tests were conducted.

Many people were avoiding RT-PCR test due to its high price which was fixed Rs 2,400 across India.

As per the latest data the Covid positivity rate was 7.64 per cent in Delhi while the death rate was 1.83 per cent. A total of 6,235 people recovered while 68 people died as per the report.