Sri Lanka boosts PCR testing to track emerging COVID-19 variant

The Ministry of Health has stepped up Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing in selected hospitals across Sri Lanka in response to the detection of a new COVID-19 variant, according to senior health officials.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, confirmed that enhanced surveillance is now in place, particularly for patients presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms.

COVID-19 cases are rising again as a new variant begins to circulate in some parts of the world. The World Health Organization said Wednesday the rise in cases is primarily in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions.