Reintroduce, expand and sustain PCR testing

With the resurgence of COVID-19 medical experts have reiterated on the importance of testing oneself if any signs of fever, cough or cold prevail. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Consultant Family Physician and Head of Family Medicine Unit, University of Colombo, Dr. Ruvaiz Haniffa said that there’s an increase in Influenza-Like-Illnesses (ILIs) and therefore, testing regimes should be reintroduced or extended to all those having respiratory symptoms or suspicious febrile illnesses. “It is also important to give access to family doctors or general practitioners to send patients with respiratory illnesses or febrile illnesses for COVID-19 testing to state or private sector hospitals without undue administrative delays,” said Dr. Haniffa   

He further said that patients with fever and are suspected cases for dengue should also be checked for COVID-19-related symptoms. “Around 30% patients who visited OPD clinics have a cough or a cold. So they have to be referred for PCR testing. Aggressive testing and repeat testing is a must at this point. Otherwise contact tracing won’t be a success especially in this situation,” he added.  

Authorities have also noticed the public to refrain from hiding, harbouring or assisting to harbour any COVID-19 patient or suspected case and that strict legal action would be taken against such people. (KW)