Over 112,000 PCR tests conducted in Sri Lanka: Ministry of Health

COLOMBO (News 1st): As of Friday (July 3) Sri Lanka has conducted more than 112,000 PCR tests, to identify COVID-19 infections, according to the Ministry of Health. "A total of 2069 COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed through these tests," Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Chief Epidemiologist at the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, said on Saturday (July 4). According to Dr. Samaraweera PCR tests are now being conducted on those who return to Sri Lanka from overseas by obtaining samples at the airport and on in-house COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, PCR tests are also being conducted on random samples obtained from the community and also from patients who visit hospitals with respiratory difficulties similar to symptoms of COVID-19. Close to 1,000 PCR tests are conducted daily, on samples obtained from the community, according to Dr. Samaraweera. "There could still be COVID-19 infected individuals within the community who may test negative in the PCR test; and as a result, there is a risk of this infection spreading among the community," noted Dr. Samaraweera. Therefore, Dr. Samaraweera emphasized the significance of adhering to social distancing guidelines, wearing face masks in crowded places and washing hands. Further commenting on the importance of face masks, Dr. Samaraweera re-iterated that wearing a face mask could prevent one from contracting the disease as well as infecting others. As such, Dr. Samaraweera urged the general public to follow the proper health guidelines to avoid a second wave of COVID-19.