PCR, RAT test kits are limited; stringent effort to control spread underway: Dr. Herath

Due to the limited number of PCR and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits, tests are carried out under a selected method to detect COVID-19 virus infections among people, the Health Ministry said.

Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said a decision was taken to conduct PCR and RAT tests only for situations where it is considered very important to conduct tests.

We have limited resources, so we should make the maximum effort to control the spread of the virus among people again.

"There was a time when we conducted nearly 25,000 PCR tests in a day. Unfortunately, the country cannot afford such tests with the current economic situation," Dr. Health said.

He said health inspectors used to identify the patients with very careful use of the test kits.

"If the number of infected people increase, the country will have to face a precarious situation again," he said.

Therefore, we should make our maximum effort to control the virus. The doctor added that people should always remember to follow basic health guidelines. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)