Colombo Mayor says random COVID-19 tests will continue at least till all vaccinated

• Over 1,000 PCR, Rapid Antigen tests conducted in Colombo daily
• Colombo residents urged to strictly adhere health guidelines

By JAMILA HUSAIN 

Mayor of Colombo, Rosy Senanayake said yesterday that random COVID-19 tests will continue across Colombo at least till such time all are vaccinated against the virus or when the Health Ministry guidelines suggest otherwise. 

Senanayake told Daily Mirror that presently over 1,000 PCR and Rapid Antigen tests were being conducted in Colombo daily and from these, at least 50 to 60 people were testing positive for the virus.  While the numbers have now reduced from the hundreds, she however said the threat of COVID-19 remained and urged residents of Colombo to strictly adhere to the health guidelines. 

“The numbers are now static, and we have been able to control it. Presently in areas where we feel it is vulnerable, that is the areas we are targeting and conducting random checks,” Senanayake said. 

“We have not set a time frame to stop the tests as this is now the new normal. As these tests will help us identify positive cases and how we need to take precautions and those that need to be sent to quarantine centres,” Senanayake added. 

She further urged people to be cautious and responsible stating that people were yet to realise the gravity of being infected with the virus.