Over 36,000 PCR tests conducted so far

Over 36,000 PCR tests conducted so far

FastnewsMay 11, 2020

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – A total of 36,605 PCR Tests had been conducted in Sri Lanka so far by May 10th in order to detect COVID-19 infected persons. A total of 1282 PCR Tess done on May 10th and another 1424 PCR Tests done on May 9th, Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

According to Dr. Jasinghe, bringing COVID-19 is unrealistic at this moment due to non availability of a vaccine, a specific drug to treat, people’s movements around the world. What can be done and what required is controlling it without enabling it to become public health issue. Sri Lanka has done this successfully.

Dr. Jasinghe pointed out that it takes at least 14 days from the date of reporting the last COVID-19 patient from a specific area to declare the area as safe. Still there is one cluster (Navy) in Colombo district and some lock down areas. It will take some more time to re-open Colombo and Gampaha districts. Hereafter decisions on COVID-19 are being made after considering several facts, especially the population density of the relevant area.

Dr. Jasinghe stressed that controlling COVID-19 in rural areas is much easier than in urban areas due to low population density. The control of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka is now in the hands of the health authorities thank to the wide spread Public Health Service Network in the country.