• The low number of cases reported daily are due to limited number  of PCR tests being conducted 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The next couple of weeks would be extremely crucial in terms of detecting more patients of the highly contagious Delta variant in the country, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), warned yesterday.  

 SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne said there is a possible risk of things going from bad to worse.  
“The low number of cases reported daily are due to limited number of PCR tests being conducted in a day. There are five times of active cases undetected in the community.  

“We are heading to a crucial two weeks where a considerable number of Delta variant cases could be detected in the community,” she stressed.  

“The issue can’t be taken lightly. There is a fair number of active Delta variant cases undetected, especially in the Western Province.  

Dr. Gunaratne also said the number of COVID-19 cases, deaths and symptomatic patients will definitely soar in future.