PCR testing capacity to be increased from August 1

Monthly quota of PCR tests to be allocated in each district

30 July 2020 01:51 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While stating that over 40, 000 Individuals have been subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in the country so far, Chief Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said the PCR capacity in Sri Lanka would be scaled up further and the number of tests performed would be increased from August 1.

Addressing the media, he said although over 150, 000 PCR tests had been carried out in the country, it did not mean that 150, 000 individuals had been subjected to PCR tests.

“Only some 40, 000 individuals have been subjected to PCR tests in the country so far. Sri Lanka is currently at a juncture where new Covid-19 positive cases are being reported in lesser numbers. However, it is vital to carry out more and more PCR tests in a well planned manner,” Dr. Samaraweera said.

“Therefore, PCR tests will be carried out in each district with the coordination of respective Medical Officers of Health. We have decided to allocate a monthly quota of PCR tests for each district, deliberated according to population ratios,” he added.

Dr. Samaraweera said earlier they mainly carried out PCR tests in high-risk areas. “However, now it is more appropriate to conduct PCR tests to detect any neglected corona virus infected patients in the country,” he said.
“We will continue to carry out random PCR tests in the country apart from specific PCR testing programmes to make sure Sri Lanka is totally safe from the Covid-19, he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 9

D Perera Thursday, 30 July 2020 02:50 PM

Waking up after five months! Other countries have completed millions of PCR tests.

sumith peiris Thursday, 30 July 2020 05:43 PM

They have 25 times our population and they have acute community spread

eresh S kumara Thursday, 30 July 2020 02:55 PM

I thought PCR stands for patali champika ranawaka

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 30 July 2020 03:01 PM

We are only hearing news of increased testing but nothing in reality.

roland.boniface Thursday, 30 July 2020 04:36 PM

Is the monsoon season upon us, or are we anticipating a second wave .This figure is peanuts compared to other countries so do not scream about it

Siribiris Thursday, 30 July 2020 05:01 PM

You mean after 5th August , right ?

P Ray Thursday, 30 July 2020 05:50 PM

Very Nice .. Great News SL Gov.

Joshua Thursday, 30 July 2020 07:19 PM

Waited for the elections yeah.?

Dora Thursday, 30 July 2020 08:58 PM

Since the testing has only been done for 40000 people there must be many more Asymptomatic covid infected people around the country much more than the 2800 identified so far.. public cheated By hiding information as usual by saying 150000 tests have been done on 40000 suspected cases only.

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PCR testing capacity to be increased from August 1

Monthly quota of PCR tests to be allocated in each district

Comments - 9

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