Lack of PCR tests caused current COVID situation: PHIs

COLOMBO (News 1st): The process of detecting COVID-19 positive patients collapsed in the recent past due to the failure to maintain the rate of PCR tests at a constant level, The Public Health Inspectors' Union of Sri Lanka (PHI) said on Friday (Apr. 23). "Despite the respective authorities being informed of the matter on several occasions, the issue was not rectified," Mahendra Balasuriya, the Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors' Union of Sri Lanka told News 1st on Friday. Since the COVID-19 virus could be asymptomatic, the globally accepted process of detection is by conducting PCR tests, he noted. According to Balasuriya, a minimum of 10,000 PCR tests should be conducted on a daily basis in order to control the situation with regard to the spread of the virus to a certain extent. Mahendra Balasuriya attributed the prevailing situation to the lack of proper attention by the relevant authorities, with the COVID-19 vaccination drive being prioritized.