The Ministry of Health has suspended drive through PCR tests at private hospitals.Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardene has informed private hospitals that PCR and Rapid Antigen (RAT) tests should be carried out only when it is indicated as per the recommendations of the Consultant or the Medical Officer in charge of the triage counter.

He said that no walk-in or drive through PCR or Rapid Antigen Tests should be permitted.

Dr. Asela Gunawardene issued the amended guidelines to private hospitals in addition to guideliness issued on 20th May.

He warned that if a hospital does not abide by the guidelines he will have to cancel the authorisation of the laboratory to perform Covid-19 PCR testing and Rapid Antigen Testing.