Random PCR and antigen tests will be conducted islandwide during the weekend from today and the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year week, in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Army Chief and Head of the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19, General Shavendra Silva told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Silva said that unlike last time where random checks were conducted on the borders of the Western Province, this time checks would be conducted islandwide and urged people to behave and adhere to all health guidelines.

“There is no need to test every single vehicle but we will be doing random checks,” he said.

An average of 200 people were testing positive for the COVID-19 virus presently and Silva said the situation was under control. He however expressed concern over the pandemic situation in Jaffna but assured it would be brought under control within a week.

Following the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Jaffna since early this month, presently 3000 people were placed under quarantine there. Silva said yesterday an estimated 140 people tested positive for the virus in Jaffna but all patients were those being detected from the quarantine centres.

He further said there were concerns over the numbers testing positive from those returning from overseas but assured that these returnees did not have access to society and were within the quarantine centres.

“The rise in numbers among the returnees is because we are now bringing in a large number from overseas. Presently, we have an average of 1,200 passengers arriving on a daily basis but we have blocked all the chances of them going to society as they are being directed to the quarantine facilities. So there is nothing to worry,” Silva said.

The government has declared Monday a special holiday and the police expect a large number of people to cross the districts from today due to the upcoming holiday season.(JAMILA HUSAIN)