New rapid PCR testing facility opened near Katunayake Airport
A new rapid PCR test facility has been unveiled in the
vicinity of the Bandaranaike International Airport, as the country prepares to
reopen for tourism.
The laboratory was declared open by Minister of Health
Keheliya Rambukwella and Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga on Thursday
(Sep. 23).
It will allow tourists and Sri Lankan returnees to
undergo rapid PCR tests upon disembarking on the island.
Speaking about the inauguration in a post published on
his official Facebook page, Minister Rambukwella said the facility will be
operative 24/7.
According to him, the laboratory will able to test
approximately 500 tests per hour and 7,000 per day while delivering the results
within 2-3 hours.
This method of testing, which is set to be made available
from Saturday (Sep. 25), will replace the previous procedure that required the
arrivals to wait for 24-48 hours at a hotel until their PRC test results are
released.
Accordingly, arrivals who are fully vaccinated against
COVID-19 will be able to travel freely on the island with a negative PCR test
result issued by the laboratory
Source adaderana
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