Over 182,600 PCR tests conducted in Sri Lanka

Nearly 182,681 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests have been carried out in Sri Lanka as of today with 2,732 tests carried out yesterday, the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) said.

According to its statistics, the highest number of PCR tests amounting to 2,909 was carried out on August 11.

Epidemiology Unit Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said earlier that the PCR capacity in Sri Lanka would be scaled up further and the number of tests performed would be increased from August 1

As such, PCR tests will be carried out in each district with the assistance of the respective Medical Officers of Health with a monthly quota of PCR tests allocated to each district.

“We will continue to carry out random PCR tests apart from the specific PCR testing programmes to make sure Sri Lanka is totally safe from the COVID-19," Dr. Samaraweera said.

Meanwhile, the Epidemiology Unit said three infected patients were reported today while the total confirmed cases in Sri Lanka stood at 2,885.

So far, 2,658 patients had recovered and discharged from hospitals leaving behind 213 active coronavirus cases in the country.

There are 55 suspected cases currently under investigation in hospitals and the recovery rate in Sri Lanka is 92.2% while fatality rate remains at 0.38% with 11 deaths. (Sheain Fernandopulle)