Shillong: The Meghalaya government has decided to withdraw free coronavirus testing facility in the state. From October 16 and anyone entering the state will have to pay for coronavirus tests. Mandatory rapid antigen testing will be charged at Rs 500 per test.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said from October 16, anyone who wants to visit the state will have to go for go for paid Covid-19 tests.

Rapid Antigen Test for Covid-19 will be mandatory for all persons including permanent residents who will enter the state from October 16 for an amount of Rs 500. Exemption will apply for people under BPL category and for people who can produce a certificate of testing by CBNAAT, Truenat or RTPCR done within a maximum of 72 hours.

“It will be applicable for both permanent residents and the people who will come into the state for business purposes,” Prestone Tynsong said.

“The decision for paid Covid test has been taken as there is no more assistance from the central government and the ICMR has already issued this order,” Tynsong said.