• Rapid Antigen tests would be ideal for symptomatic patients
• PCR tests would be more sensitive for asymptomatic patients

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The close contacts of COVID-19 patients should get themselves tested 3-5 days after exposure, whereas earlier recommendation was 5-7 days, a local medical expert said.

Sri Jayewardenepura University’s Immunology and Molecular Medicine Department Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said Rapid Antigen tests would be ideal for symptomatic patients while PCR tests would be more sensitive for asymptomatic patients in Sri Lanka.

He expressed these views on his Twitter based on the recommendations of the Disease Control and Prevention Centre.  He proceeded to say that it was his personal view and not the guidelines adopted by the local authorities.