Fernando advised “Viral Culture” test for Covid-19 positive results

By BIPIN DANI

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will recommend “Viral Culture” tests for its newest pacer Shiran Fernando, who has returned a second positive COVID-19 test in Bangladesh. The suggestion will be sent by Prof. Arjuna De Silva, the chairman of the medical panel. 

 
The 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler did not feature in the first ODI yesterday and has been self-isolated.
“This Viral Culture test determines whether the live viruses are there in the body,” de Silva, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Sunday evening. “The Covid-19 recovered patients may get positive results if the viruses are there in the body. Mostly these are not infectious, and we don’t even do the PCR tests after 10 days of uncomplicated Covid-19 infection,” he added.  

Pace bowler Fernando tested positive in Sri Lanka shortly before the tour but recovered in time. The two others who returned false-positives on Saturday, Isuru Udana and bowling coach Chaminda Vaas, were confirmed to be Covid-19 negative before the fixture. 

Interestingly, the third PCR test, which was done on May 22 had returned three positive tests from the Sri Lankan contingent and two from the Bangladesh squad (bus driver and support staff member). However, on a special request, the tests were again repeated, and the new results found all negative except Fernando.
The next PCR tests are scheduled to be held on May 27, the day before the final ODI. However, owing to the recent false test results, more tests may also be conducted.

The Sri Lankan team manager Manuja Kariyapperuma has been asked to constantly monitor the situation. “The manager is in regular contact with us and apprising us of the situation,” the SLC source said. 
Khaled Mahmood Sujon, who was a team manager of the home team was earlier found positive and was resting at his home and has now returned to the team after subsequent negative tests.   

Interestingly, the third PCR test, which was done on May 22 had returned three positive tests from the Sri Lankan contingent and two from the Bangladesh squad (bus driver and support staff member). However, on a special request, the tests were again repeated, and the new results found all negative except Fernando