19 October 2021 06:06 pm
As there could be more COVID-19 patients undetected in the community, it is absolutely necessary to carry out more random PCR and Antigen Tests in the country, Government Medical Officers Forum (GMOF) Secretary Dr. Kamal A. Perera stressed.
He said these undetected patients are asymptomatic and thus, they neither tend to go for treatment nor testing.
“It is clear that the number of daily COVID cases is higher than what is being reported because there are undetected patients in society who do not show symptoms,” he argued.
“Therefore, it is of utmost importance to carry out further random PCR and Antigen Tests in order to detect such patients,” he reiterated.
Dr. Perera also stated that people are so negligent that they fail to follow health guidelines and health rules.
At present, the number of PCR and Antigen Tests conducted per day in Sri Lanka ranges from 2,000 to 7,000.
According to the data on Health Promotion Bureau, a total number of 5,866 and 3,772 PCR tests and Antigen Tests were carried out respectively on Monday (18).
However, the Health Ministry has articulated that the number of Antigen Tests is fairly higher than what is being reported per day. (Sheain Fernandopulle)