Direct returnees for quarantine Only after PCR test results are known

• It was decided to set up a laboratory at the airport premises in order to speed up obtaining results of PCR tests
• President asks to accommodate them at a separate location equipped with all necessary facilities

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday instructed officials to send returnees from foreign countries for quarantine only after results of PCR tests conducted at the airport itself are known, the President’s Media Division said.   

The President has also asked to accommodate them at a separate location equipped with all necessary facilities until the test results are released.   

President Rajapaksa issued these directives during a discussion with members of the Task Force entrusted with COVID-19 control and medical consultants at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.   The PMD said the issues emerged during the conduct of PCR tests and sending returnees from abroad, especially those who from Middle East, for quarantine were discussed in depth at the meeting.   It was decided to set up a laboratory at the airport premises in order to speed up obtaining results of PCR tests. Since the pandemic may last for a considerable time, President highlighted the importance of having such a facility at the airport, the PMD said.   It was also decided to explore the possibility of conducting PCR tests in relevant countries itself with the direct mediation of the Sri Lankan Government or with the support of those countries.   The early detection of an infected person in this manner will ease difficulties that could arise when sending them to hospitals and quarantine centres.   The President said that opportunities should be availed as soon as possible to everyone who wishes to return to the motherland,” the PMD said.   Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke, Principal Advisor to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary Defence Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Major General (Dr.) Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Commanders of Tri-Forces, Acting Inspector-General of Police, the members of the Task Force, Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe and consultant doctors participated in the meeting. 

• decided to explore the possibility of conducting PCR tests in relevant countries itself
• opportunities should be availed as soon as possible to everyone who wishes to return to the motherland