Positive rate surges past 7% for the first time: GMOA

After the detection of 878 COVID-19 positive cases yesterday, the positive cases rate has crossed 7.2% mark for the first time in Sri Lanka, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) said.

Addressing the media GMOA Editor Dr. Haritha Aluthge said 12,145 PCR tests were carried out yesterday.

"The COVID positive rate was at 3% before January and became 6% in January and now it has gone passed 7% within a few days," he said.

"Every PCR test done in the country reveal nearly 7 - 8 COVID-19 positive patients on daily basis. The 3% rate was recorded following 100 PCR tests conducted in the country before January," he said.

However, the positive case rate has surged past 7% and the country is heading towards a dangerous scenario, he said.

However, we have failed to control the spreading of virus to other districts, and we should keep in mind to figure out our failures and act fast to control the rapidly spreading virus, Dr. Aluthge added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)