Spike in COVID cases: Daily PCR tests to be increased to 15,000 to counter rick

The Health Ministry has decided to increase the daily PCR tests to at least 15,000 considering the possible risk of spreading the virus in the country after the New Year.

The decision was taken at a Special Performance Review Committee meeting held today at the Health Ministry attended by the Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

It was also decided to increase the capacity of ICU beds, and to provide high-flow Oxygen required for COVID patients, strengthen the mechanism of data collection, provide extra PPE kits for health staff, formulate a mechanism to refer COVID patients to suitable hospitals based on their various health conditions and also to locate more Hospitals at Divisional and District level to treat COVID patients and to provide them with medical facilities.

A decision has also been taken to strictly impose quarantine laws for everyone, legal action against quarantine law violators and to draft special quarantine laws for those arriving from overseas. (Ajith Siriwardana)