Following random Rapid Antigen Tests, 5 persons out of 451 leaving Western Province so far today tested positive for Covid-19; Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.
Antigen Tests are to be conducted from today on those travelling on the Southern Expressway as well, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva said.
Earlier, the Head of the Covid Task Force announced that the test will be conducted from this morning on those leaving the Western Province at three entry-exit points in the three districts of the Province.
He said that the Rapid Antigen Tests will be conducted randomly until further notice.
Testing points have been set up at Nittambuwa along the Kandy-Colombo Road, Salawa, Kosgama along Avissawella-Colombo Road, and Katunayake along Colombo-Chilaw Road.
However, as of this afternoon, testing points have also been setup to test those leaving the Western Province via the Southern Expressway.
A letter addressed to the Provincial Director of Health Services (Western Province) said the decision to set up testing units was taken to curtail the spread of the coronavirus outside of the Western Province during the festive season.
According to the Daily Mirror, testing would be carried out to identify risk of passengers in three locations in the Province and also to prevent the virus from spreading to other districts.
The tests will be conducted by the police, while respective Regional Directors of Health Services will also deploy teams to the testing locations. (NewsWire)