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All PCR tests conducted at BIA by Health Ministry

Charter flights can opt for approved private hospitals

9 June 2020 03:36 am - 3     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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All PCR tests at BIA are conducted by the Health Ministry within minutes after passengers pass the immigration counter, Airport and Aviation Services Chairman G.A. Chandrasiri told Daily Mirror yesterday, adding that the samples are then sent to the Negombo General Hospital within an hour for results to be handed over to the ministry within 24 hours.

“The same procedure was followed for all airline crew members transiting at BIA, but passengers arriving on charter flights in the future can hire a private hospital approved by the Health Ministry. The company which is chartering the flight can decide if they want to hire a private hospital for their passengers, but the selected hospital has to be approved by the Health Ministry. The private hospital will then hand over the results to the ministry for follow up action," he said.

Presently, all passengers arriving at BIA are subject to PCR tests and transported to quarantine centres by the army. Those whose results test positive are transferred to the hospital immediately. The rest remain in quarantine centres until they complete the stipulated time period.

Daily Mirror learns that once airports open up for tourists on August 1, the Health Ministry will continue to conduct PCR tests at all airports and there are no plans to get private hospitals involved except if there is a request from charter flights. (Jamila Husain)


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  Comments - 3

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  • BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 09 June 2020 10:47 AM

    The PCR test and results should be done at the Airport and results given within 2 to 3 hours. It is not possible to congest 300 passengers arriving from an aircraft to wait for 24 hours until they are allowed to be released.

    ravin Tuesday, 09 June 2020 11:58 AM

    Can someone give us a feedback on quickest PCR test results avilable in the world and the country please. Do not tell us the best is no test.

    Eichmann Bernhard Tuesday, 09 June 2020 04:18 PM

    What do tourists who are picked up and taken to the hotel do?


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