COVID-19 containment measures to continue until after Vesak

COVID-19 containment measures implemented in Sri Lanka will have to continue until after Vesak, Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said in a statement today.

Issued by the Health and Indigenous Medical Services Ministry, the statement said daily activities may resume after this under certain restrictions and health guidelines. It added that predictions cannot be made about the country going back to the usual state of affairs by 5 May.

Dr. Jasinghe however added that the spread of COVID-19 in the Western Province was under some control and that a large number of PCR tests were being conducted on high-risk groups in the province.

A total of 1,397 PCR tests were conducted yesterday and, overall, the amount of positive cases identified are small in number when compared to the number of tests conducted. Despite this, testing will continue at 1,500 tests per day.

The statement added that the health sector had the capacity to expand testing to 3,000 a day, especially with the universities carrying out laboratory work. The ministry also stated that Dr. Jasinghe was satisfied with the test results regardless of the type of kits used as validity of results is constantly checked.